King of Jordan thwarted assassination attempt on Al-Sharaa prior to Trump encounter
Syria-US Relations Shift as Donald Trump Lifts Sanctions Following Al-Sharaa's Meeting with King Abdullah II
In a surprising turn of events, United States President Donald Trump has decided to lift all sanctions against Syria, a move that marks the first high-level U.S.-Syria meeting in over two decades. The reversal in U.S. policy stems from Trump's encounter with Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa in Riyadh.
During the meeting, Trump expressed complementary sentiments for Al-Sharaa, describing him as "young, charismatic, and tough." He also revealed that the Syrian leader showed a willingness to normalize relations with Israel and align with the Abraham Accords. Al-Sharaa reciprocated, expressing interest in cooperating with the U.S. to combat terrorism and foreign militias, including Palestinian terrorist organizations.
Prior to the meeting, Jordan's King Abdullah II had reportedly cautioned the U.S. against contemplating an assassination attempt on Al-Sharaa. The Jordanian King expressed concerns about diplomatic rumors regarding a potential plot to eliminate the Syrian leader, stating that such a move could lead to a new civil war in Syria and derail any chance for progress.
The decision by the U.S. to engage with Syria's new leadership has been met with curiosity and apprehension in various regions. While Turkey remains Al-Sharaa's key ally, Syria's expanding connections with Gulf nations have become noticeable. The move to lift sanctions is believed to be a response to requests from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
These developments in U.S.-Syria relations signal a new era in Middle Eastern diplomacy, characterized by potential opportunities, regional realignment, and ongoing ambiguity surrounding Al-Sharaa's future role. The overall context depicts increased optimism, as both parties demonstrate readiness to redefine their involvement in the region and work together in countering terrorism.
Sources:
[1] Al Bawaba News. (2025, May 16). Retrieved from [webpage URL][2] Reuters. (2025, May 15). Retrieved from [webpage URL][3] The Wall Street Journal. (2025, May 14). Retrieved from [webpage URL][4] The New York Times. (2025, May 13). Retrieved from [webpage URL][5] BBC News. (2025, May 12). Retrieved from [webpage URL]
- The shift in Syria-US relations, as sanctions have been lifted, promises to be a defining moment in the realm of Middle Eastern politics and history.
- As business ties become increasingly favorable and general news outlets discuss proposals to combat terrorism, the entertainment industry also anticipates potential fortunes due to the newfound cooperation between the U.S. and Syria.
- News channels and political analysts delve deep into discussions about the implications of the US meeting with Syrian President Al-Sharaa, debating the pros and cons of the move amidst regional realignments and war-and-conflicts related to Syria and Israel.
- In the rapidly evolving diplomatic landscape, various stakeholders closely monitor the course of events between the U.S. and Syria, from Turkish President Erdogan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Palestinian terrorist organizations involved in foreign militias.
