Trump Set to Meet Syria’s Ahmad al-Sharaa
Trump Syria Qatar Mideast: President Donald Trump will meet Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa on Wednesday during his Saudi Arabia visit. Al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, rose to power after leading a dramatic insurgent offensive that toppled the Assad regime in late 2024.
This meeting marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, especially given al-Sharaa’s former ties to al-Qaida. He once commanded the U.S.-designated terrorist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), though he has since renounced those affiliations.
Sanctions Lifted, New Hope for Stability
Trump, in a major announcement, said he would lift the sanctions imposed on Syria since 2011. He explained the move was encouraged by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
“There is a new government that will hopefully succeed in stabilizing the country and keeping peace,” Trump said in his address.
Gulf Cooperation Council Meeting Ahead
Following his brief meeting with al-Sharaa, Trump will attend the Gulf Cooperation Council summit. The summit includes top leaders from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Afterward, Trump will travel to Qatar for a state visit.
Qatar’s Diverse Legacy and Growing Influence
Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir Qatar has traditionally balanced its ultraconservative Wahhabi roots with its backing for Islamists during the Arab Spring. The country’s wealth, which is supported by liquefied natural gas exports, gives it regional clout.
However, it has also sparked discussion:
- Bribing EU lawmakers is referred to as “Qatar-gate.”
- The 2020 FIFA scandal revolves around U.S. allegations of bribery to win the 2022 World Cup.
- RTX Case: Bribery allegations were resolved for around $1 billion in 2024.
Despite these problems, Qatar has held previous U.S.-Taliban negotiations and continues to play a significant role as a mediator in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Controversy Over Qatar’s Gift of a Presidential Plane
One of the most surprising developments on the tour involves Qatar’s offer of a luxury Boeing 747-8 jet to serve temporarily as Air Force One. Trump defended the gift, stating it would save taxpayers “hundreds of millions of Dollars.”
In a social media post, Trump said:
“This big savings will be spent, instead, to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Only a FOOL would not accept this gift on behalf of our Country.”
Critics argue that accepting the plane could violate rules about gifts from foreign governments.
What’s Next on the Mideast Tour?
Trump’s tour will continue with meetings in the UAE. Observers are watching closely to see how his administration navigates renewed ties with Syria and strategic partnerships with Gulf powers like Qatar.
Source: AP News