After White House Visit, U.S. Tests Strategy to Rehabilitate Syria’s Leader and Curb Iran–Russia Leverage

Temporary U.S. sanctions relief now faces a Senate test that could determine Syria’s access to reconstruction funds.

Overview

President Donald Trump hosted interim Syrian President Ahmed al‑Sharaa at the White House, a first for a Syrian head of state in Washington.
Washington has eased restrictions with a time‑limited suspension of Caesar Act enforcement and exclusions for dealings linked to Russia and Iran, while allied delistings have reduced travel and financial barriers.
Syria has joined the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS as interim security forces tout raids on ISIS cells and media report two failed assassination attempts against al‑Sharaa.
Commentary urges the Senate to convert temporary measures into permanent relief and to provide direct aid, arguing that failure risks renewed civil conflict and greater costs to U.S. and Israeli security.
Al‑Sharaa’s position remains fragile with restive militias, sectarian tensions and recent Israeli strikes, even as he courts great‑power backing after October talks in Moscow that left Russia’s base access intact in principle.