In many ways this is as momentous, and could be more momentous, than Trump’s first-term overtures to Kim Jong Un. The two meetings come from the same wellsprings: Trump is attempting to break longstanding logjams, and end the status quo that the foreign policy establishment, both inside the U.S. and elsewhere, had come to take for granted. He wants to make peace with old foes based on mutual economic interests. In Syria’s case, he appears to be taking al-Sharaa at his word that he is no longer a jihadi, and that he wants to build a stable and prosperous Syria. Or alternatively, he is challenging al-Sharaa to demonstrate the sincerity of his claims.
The presence of Erdogan on the phone, however, was a reminder that al-Sharaa has been propped up by Turkish forces, and that many see his forces in Syria as a tool of Erdogan’s interests in restoring the Ottoman caliphate. Is Trump indifferent to those interests? In lifting sanctions on Syria, is he aware that al-Sharaa may well turn out not to be sincere? Is this an indirect confirmation of claims that Trump has no problem with Turkish expansionism in Syria?
The jihad, ignored everywhere, continues. It never goes away. Individuals and states, however, can and do put it aside for considerable periods in order to pursue other interests. Has al-Sharaa really done that? His patron Erdogan seems to be moving in the opposite direction.
Events are happening quite quickly now, and Trump is moving with immense confidence as well as considerable imagination. We can all hope that all this doesn’t blow up in his face, as that would only mean more jihad and bloodshed for the world.
“Trump administration live updates: President meets with Syrian leader in major breakthrough for former jihadi,” NBC News, May 14, 2025:
“U.S. exploring normalizing ties with Syria, Trump says,” by Jennifer Jett:
The U.S. is exploring the possibility of normalizing relations with Syria, Trump said.
“We are currently exploring normalizing relations with Syria’s new government, as you know, beginning with my meeting with President Ahmed al-Sharaa,” he said at a meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council, a grouping of six Gulf nations….
“Trump encourages Syrian president to recognize Israeli statehood,” by Jennifer Jett:
In a meeting this morning in Saudi Arabia, Trump encouraged Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to recognize Israel’s statehood, according to a White House readout.
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was also present and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, joined by phone. The readout said both leaders praised Trump’s decision to lift longstanding sanctions on Syria, where Sharaa became president in January after the fall of longtime dictator Bashar al-Assad.
Trump told Sharaa that he had “a tremendous opportunity to do something historic in his country,” the readout said. He urged the Syrian leader to sign on to the Abraham Accords, a framework for Arab states to recognize Israeli sovereignty that the U.S. mediated during Trump’s first term.
He also advised Sharaa to tell foreign terrorists to leave Syria, deport Palestinian terrorists, help the U.S. prevent the resurgence of the Islamic State and assume responsibility for Islamic State detention centers in Syria’s northeast.
Sharaa affirmed his commitment to Syria’s 1974 disengagement with Israel and invited American companies to invest in Syrian oil and gas, the readout said.
“Trump meets with Syrian president in Saudi Arabia,” by Katherine Doyle:
Trump met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia this morning, a day after saying he plans to lift longstanding sanctions on Syria.
Trump announced the sanctions rollback yesterday during a speech at a Saudi investment forum, saying it was intended to give Syria “a chance at greatness” after the ouster last year of longtime dictator Bashar al-Assad.
“Oh, what I do for the crown prince,” Trump said in reference to Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler….
Infidel lives matter says
Posing with a jihadi like he`s John McStain.
Infidel lives matter says
There is a genocide going on against religious minorities in Syria. I´m disappointed in Donald. Syria deserves a chance? To do what? Murder more christians?
SchnauzerLvr says
I don’t like it, either. Let’s hope that behind closed doors, Trump told him screw around and you’re dead.
ME Infidel says
He just arrived in Qatar as I’m reading this. At least he’s making some sort of effort, but he shouldn’t trust any of the Arabic countries which are Sharia-compliant.
John1 says
Put this Syrian former ISIS leader in charge of ISIS detention centers? He’ll let all the Koranimals out of their cages!
Sarah says
Very disappointed in Mr. Spencer’s coverage of this and other words and deeds from Trump and his adminstration of late with respect to the Middle East. Very frustrating to see conservatives going soft where Trump is failing, making what is now a bewildering series of stupid and dangerous choices. Given Mr. Spencer’s powerful and unrelenting voice that has been educating others and sounding the alarm about the threat of Islam, he should be holding President Trump to his usual high standards. I am a Trump supporter who voted for him three times and never did I expect to see the level of abject naivitee (at best) unfolding as it is now regarding the US relationship to nations in the Middle East that embrace an ideology that is ever-striving toward the global Caliphate. We should never lose sight of the essence of those who we are dealing with, not get seduced and hoodwinked, and for crying out loud, not operate in an ignorant vacuum about what they are, at their core, up to. Trump is legitimizing and praising leaders and nations that engage in genocide against non-believers. Suddenly this doesn’t matter?
SchnauzerLvr says
It doesn’t look good, that’s for sure. All of the 9/11 murderers were Saudis and now Trump is schmoozing them. And to shake the bloody hand of the new Syrian leader indeed looks naive.
But I don’t think Trump is naive. I sincerely hope this is a charm offensive backed by American threats and power behind the scenes.
We’ll know soon: if Trump makes a deal with Iran that cannot be monitored or enforced, that will be the ultimate disappointment.
The Israelis have to be shaking their heads in disbelief.
࿗Infidel࿘ says
I just hope American businesses continue to avoid Syria like the plague. If Qatar and Saudi Arabia want to sink money rebuilding that country, let them. Also, to any fellow Americans – unless you happen to be sunni, do not go to Syria
Wellington says
Trump either really knows what he’s doing or he doesn’t when dealing with Islamic nations. Frankly, I’m not sure and I don’t like not being sure.
James Lincoln says
I am also very concerned, Wellington.
Lorena says
https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/trump-praises-young-attractive-president-sharaa-founder-al-qaeda-syria-qatar-visit
Trump is either deluded or bribed, otherwise he wouldn’t betray Israel so badly and shamelessly.
David Foot says
Trump made the Afghanistan / handover / surrender treaty USA and Western enemies, Afghanistan is in the hands of 9/11 terrorists with Trump’s fantastic “deal” done with no allies present!
In a similar way he has been trying to surrender Ukraine to the enemies of the West So that they can enforce their anti-Western ideologies.
Now he is being given a plane!
For what?
On whose side is Trump?