©️Le Journal de Montréal
Syrian interim President Ahmad Al-Charaa arrived in Washington on Saturday, November 8, 2025 for the first bilateral visit of a Syrian Head of State to the United States since 1946. Hosted by Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, November 10, he seeks to consolidate the alliance with Washington and to obtain support for the reconstruction of the country after 14 years of conflict.
Arriving in Washington on Saturday, November 8, Ahmad Al-Charaa marks a major diplomatic turning point for Syria. A former jihadist leader and leader of the Islamist coalition that overthrew Bashar Al-Assad in December 2024, he now aims to integrate his country into international anti-terrorism and reconstruction initiatives. His meeting with Donald Trump symbolizes the warming of relations between Damascus and Washington and the dramatic transformation of his political profile.
The visit is part of a gradual normalization of relations between Syria and the West. Recently removed from the US blacklist of terrorism and benefiting from the lifting of UN sanctions, Mr. Charaa must sign an agreement to integrate into the US-led anti-jihadist coalition. The Syrian authorities conducted 61 raids and made 71 arrests against IS dormant cells in various areas (Aleppo, Idlib, Hama, Homs, Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa, Damascus).
The visit also includes discussions on reconstruction financing, estimated at $216 billion according to the World Bank, as well as bilateral relations and regional and international issues. The United States is also considering the establishment of a military base near Damascus, strengthening its strategic presence in the country.
"Washington Institute" analysts note that the new Syrian government takes a position more aligned with US interests and less on the Iranian axis, but that many challenges remain for lasting stabilization.
The visit of Ahmad Al-Charaa to the White House is a historic moment for Syria and international relations. It illustrates the transformation of a former jihadist leader into a world-renowned state actor and paves the way for increased cooperation between Damascus and Washington in the fight against terrorism and the reconstruction of the country. However, lasting stability will depend on the capacity of the new government to reform its political structure and meet internal and regional expectations.
R.J. with Radio-Canada
