Sun Nov 09 01:54:49 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, formerly associated with Al-Qaeda, arrived in the United States for a historic official visit following his removal from the US terrorism blacklist and UN sanctions. This marks the first visit by a Syrian president since 1946. The visit follows Mr. Sharaa’s first appearance on US soil when he addressed the UN General Assembly. He is scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump at the White House where he is expected to discuss Syria joining the US-led alliance against ISIS, the establishment of a US military base near Damascus for humanitarian aid and monitoring the situation on the Israel-Syria border, and securing funds for Syria’s reconstruction following a 13-year civil war. The visit signifies a major shift in US-Syria relations since Mr. Sharaa’s government has been meeting US demands on resolving the cases of missing Americans and eliminating remaining chemical weapons.
News Article:
Syrian President al-Sharaa Arrives in US for Landmark Visit After Delisting
Washington D.C. – November 9, 2025 – In a historic moment for US-Syrian relations, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa arrived in the United States Saturday for an official visit, marking the first such trip by a Syrian leader since the country’s independence in 1946. The visit follows the State Department’s decision to remove Mr. al-Sharaa from a terrorism blacklist and Washington’s Security Council vote to remove UN sanctions against him.
The former jihadist, who ousted Bashar al-Assad last year, is scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday. Discussions are expected to center on Syria potentially joining the US-led coalition against ISIS, the establishment of a US military base near Damascus to coordinate humanitarian aid and monitor the border with Israel, and securing critical financial aid for Syria’s reconstruction efforts. The World Bank estimates that it could cost $216 billion.
“These actions are being taken in recognition of the progress demonstrated by the Syrian leadership after the departure of Bashar al-Assad,” said State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott. The U.S. decision to delist Sharaa was due to his government addressing issues regarding missing Americans and eliminating the last of the country’s chemical weapons.
Analysts view this visit as a testament to the commitment of the US to the new Syria.
Mr. Sharaa’s presence in Washington comes after addressing the UN General Assembly in September. His address was his first appearance on US soil and marked the first time in decades that a Syrian president had the opportunity to address the UNGA.
This visit marks a significant turnaround for al-Sharaa. Mr. al-Sharaa was formerly associated with Al-Qaeda and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an organization which was delisted by Washington only last July.
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