BEIRUT (Web Desk) — Once detained by the U.S. in Iraq for fighting with al-Qaida, Ahmad al-Sharaa has made an unlikely ascent to become Syria’s president — and the first to visit Washington since 1946.
After toppling Bashar Assad last year, al-Sharaa has sought global rehabilitation, meeting Donald Trump and pushing to lift the U.S. Caesar Act sanctions. The U.N. and U.S. recently dropped sanctions against him, and Congress is debating a full repeal.
During his Washington visit, al-Sharaa is expected to sign Syria into the U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State. U.S. officials call it a “milestone” that could deepen military cooperation.
Despite ongoing sectarian tensions and doubts about his reforms, al-Sharaa’s visit marks a dramatic turnaround — from militant to statesman on the world stage.
