Trump Meets Al-Sharaa at the White House as a Pivotal Year for Syria Ends Amid Caesar Law Freeze

SadaNews - Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa met with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, as the year came to a close marking a pivotal time for Al-Sharaa, who has made efforts to end Syria's international isolation. This year witnessed a significant shift for the Syrian president during the transitional phase; Al-Sharaa had recently been the leader of a group of armed opposition, which led to the ousting of the Assad family regime that had ruled the country for a long time at the end of the previous year.

Al-Sharaa arrived at the White House for the first-ever visit by a Syrian president, following six months after their first meeting in Riyadh last May, mediated by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. During that meeting, Trump announced he would lift US sanctions against Syria that had lasted for decades.

The Syrian president arrived at the White House without fanfare typically associated with visits from foreign leaders. He entered through a side entrance not seen by journalists, rather than the main door of the West Wing where cameras were awaiting him.

The meeting between Al-Sharaa and Trump comes just days after Washington announced that the Syrian president is no longer on the terror list.

Suspension of Caesar Law

The US Treasury Department announced a partial suspension of sanctions imposed under the "Caesar Law" on Syria for 180 days, coinciding with the meeting between Trump and Al-Sharaa at the White House.

The department added that this action replaces a previous exemption issued on May 23, emphasizing that this exemption will not apply to certain transactions involving Russia and Iran.

The department declared the Trump administration's commitment to continue easing sanctions on Syria. Under the new decision, sanctions on Syria will be suspended except for transactions involving Russia and Iran and all matters related to the transfer of goods, technology, software, or funds and services relating to Russia or Iran.

Developments in Syria's Alliances

Al-Sharaa (42) took over the reins in Syria at the end of last year after armed opposition groups under his leadership launched a swift assault from a pocket they controlled in northwestern Syria, managing to oust Bashar al-Assad in just days on December 8, 2024.

Since then, Syria's alliances have been evolving at a remarkable pace away from Assad's main allies, Iran and Russia. Security is likely to be a top priority for today’s anticipated meeting.

The United States is mediating talks between Syria and Israel regarding a possible security agreement. Reuters reported that the US plans to establish a military presence at an airbase in Damascus. Syria is also expected to join the US-led coalition against ISIS, which could be officially announced in the White House meeting on Monday.

Trump told reporters at the White House earlier that there has been "significant progress" in the Syrian file. He added, "I think he (Al-Sharaa) is doing well. It’s a complicated area, and he is a strong man, but I have aligned with him very well."

After the meeting between Trump and Al-Sharaa in Riyadh last May, the US president announced he would lift all sanctions imposed on Syria. However, the harshest sanctions, known as the "Caesar Law", can only be lifted by a decision from Congress.

The White House and the State Department have openly supported the repeal of the law before the end of 2025, although experts say the current US government shutdown could affect the timing of this step. Al-Sharaa is expected to vigorously advocate for the repeal of the law, which will contribute to reviving global investments in a country ravaged by 14 years of war. The World Bank estimates that reconstruction will require over $200 billion.

The cohesion of Syrian social fabric has recently faced tough tests, as outbreaks of violence have resulted in the deaths of more than 2,500 people since the ousting of Assad; deepening the scars of the civil war and raising questions about the ability of those in power to govern all Syrians.