Syria’s Sharaa Gains US Support Amid Domestic Struggles

BREAKING: Syrian leader Ahmed Sharaa has just secured significant recognition on the global stage after a pivotal meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on November 12, 2023. However, while international support grows, Sharaa faces daunting challenges within Syria that could define his leadership.

The meeting, which marked a watershed moment in U.S.-Syrian relations, signaled a potential thaw following decades of tension. Trump hailed Sharaa as “a strong leader,” expressing Washington’s commitment to aid Syria’s recovery and stability. The focus of discussions centered on pressing economic and security issues, critical for Sharaa’s administration.

One of Sharaa’s urgent priorities is the removal of sanctions imposed during the regime of his predecessor, Bashar Assad, who was ousted on December 8, 2024, by Islamist rebels. Although only Congress can fully lift the Caesar Act sanctions, Sharaa managed to secure a 180-day suspension, offering hope for economic revival.

Sharaa’s shift away from his past alliances with jihadist groups has propelled Syria into the U.S.-led global coalition against the Islamic State, marking the country as the 90th member in this effort. “This visit ushers in a new era of cooperation with the United States,” Sharaa stated in an interview with Fox News.

However, the road ahead remains fraught with challenges. The proposed security agreement between Syria and Israel is shrouded in uncertainty. Experts point out that Israel remains unwilling to restore the 1974 disengagement agreement, complicating Sharaa’s aspirations for peace. Syrian activist Radwan Ziadeh emphasized, “What is needed is more U.S. pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to recognize the need for compromise.”

“Sharaa’s biggest challenge today is internal, not external. He has been given the green light, and now he needs to deliver,”

said Nizar Ghanem, co-founder of Triangle Consulting. The stakes are high as Sharaa navigates Syria’s fragile political landscape, marked by lingering sectarian violence and a desperate need for national reconciliation.

As nearly 90% of Syrians currently live below the poverty line, the government’s ability to manage post-war reconstruction is under intense scrutiny. The harsh economic reality has led to a popular saying in Damascus: “We have the prices of Las Vegas and the services of Somalia.” Without significant international investment and support, the prospects for recovery remain bleak.

Sharaa’s administration has pledged to create a credible political process that fosters transparency and inclusivity. However, questions linger about the type of political system that will emerge in Syria. “Will it be a new authoritarian regime, or can democracy take root through elections?” asked Ziadeh, highlighting the uncertainty that looms over Syria’s future.

As the international community watches closely, Sharaa’s ability to deliver on promises of reform and stability will be crucial. The next steps for Syria hinge not only on external support from the U.S. but also on Sharaa’s capacity to unite his country amidst profound division. The world will be waiting to see if he can transform the promise of renewed U.S. relations into tangible benefits for the Syrian people.