Trump met with Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh
- Meeting Between Trump and Syria’s President:
- Former U.S. President Donald Trump met Syria’s new president, Ahmed Sharia, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- Trump announced the U.S. would lift sanctions on Syria, calling it a major turning point for the Syrian people.
2. Impact of Sanctions Being Lifted:
- The decision sparked celebrations in Syria. The Syrian government hopes this will boost their economy and global legitimacy.
- Lifting sanctions could allow money transfers (remittances) to Syria and reconnect its economy to the world.
3. GCC Summit Context:
- The meeting happened during Trump’s Gulf tour, ahead of a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit. GCC includes Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and other Gulf nations.
- GCC leaders discussed regional issues like Iran’s nuclear program, Yemen’s conflict, and Lebanon’s stability.
4. International Reactions:
- The EU may follow the U.S. in lifting sanctions, which would further help Syria’s government.
- Syria’s new leadership, once labeled a “terrorist group” by some countries, now gains recognition through this U.S. move.
5. Other Key Discussions:
- Iran: Trump said the U.S. would prevent Iran from getting nuclear weapons but hinted at possible future talks.
- Israel-Palestine: Saudi Arabia still refuses to normalize relations with Israel until Palestinian statehood is addressed.
- Yemen: Efforts to expand a temporary ceasefire into a long-term peace deal were discussed.
6. U.S.-GCC Alliance:
- Gulf countries stressed the need for strong U.S. ties to counter regional threats, especially from Iran.
Why It Matters:
Lifting sanctions could rebuild Syria’s economy and strengthen its new government. The GCC summit highlights ongoing efforts to address Middle East conflicts, with the U.S. playing a central role.
