"New Syria" and the diplomatic test in Washington.
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa's first official visit to the United States marks a historic turning point in relations between the two countries that have been adversaries for decades. This event not only demonstrates Damascus's efforts to reintegrate internationally, but also serves as a crucial test for the foreign policy of a "new Syria," a nation seeking to reshape its position and restore its image after more than a decade of war.
A historical turning point
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa arrived in the United States on November 9th for a landmark official visit, just one day after Washington officially removed him from its terrorist blacklist. Al-Sharaa is scheduled to hold talks with US President Donald Trump at the White House on November 10th. This is the first visit by a Syrian head of state to the US since the country gained independence in 1946, marking the beginning of a new chapter in relations between the two countries and opening the possibility of restoring dialogue that had been severed since relations between the two nations turned hostile due to the Syrian civil war and international terrorism.
President Donald Trump's initiative to invite al-Sharaa to visit the United States represents a clear shift in Washington's policy, from a hardline stance on sanctions to a trend toward "conditional re-engagement." With regional powers like Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Iran all seeking to establish their positions in "post-war Syria," the US seems unwilling to remain on the sidelines in shaping the new regional order. Trump's announcement of lifting most sanctions and his commitment to supporting Damascus's participation in the international coalition against the Islamic State (IS) is both symbolic and a signal of a more pragmatic US strategy.
For Syria, the White House visit was a historic opportunity to affirm the legitimacy and international standing of the new government. After more than a decade of isolation, the fact that al-Sharaa, the former leader of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) rebel group, was welcomed as a legitimate head of state shows that the international community is gradually accepting the new political reality in Damascus. It is evident that since coming to power, the new Syrian government has sought to break away from its violent past, moving towards a more moderate image, more acceptable to its people and the international community. Michael Hanna, Director of the US Program at the International Crisis Group, commented: “The White House visit is further evidence of America’s commitment to the ‘new Syria,’ and a highly symbolic moment for the country’s new leader, who is continuing his incredible journey from a jihadist commander to a global statesman.” The move by the US, UK, and UN to lift sanctions against Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa is not only economically significant, but also provides Syria with access to international financial institutions, paving the way for a multi-billion dollar reconstruction effort.
Strategically, Washington views a "new Syria" as a potential partner in maintaining regional stability, especially given the continued presence of extremist groups in eastern and southern Syria. The US consideration of establishing a limited military presence at an air base near Damascus to support the security agreement between Syria and Israel suggests Washington's goal is to control the Middle Eastern security space from within, rather than merely monitoring from afar.
Both sides have clear interests in improving relations. Syria needs resources, investment, and international recognition to rebuild its economy. The U.S. needs a stable partner to prevent the resurgence of ISIS and limit Iran's influence. If the contacts in Washington open up a mechanism for substantive cooperation, this could be the starting point for a normalization process between Syria and the West, a step that would not only be symbolic after years of bloodshed but would also help reshape the Middle East's security structure in the post-ISIS era.
Diplomaticbalanceof Syria
Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa's historic visit to Washington was not an isolated diplomatic event but part of a multilateral diplomatic strategy being pursued by Syria's new government. After years of isolation, Damascus appears to be seeking to build balanced relationships with major powers like the US and Russia, while expanding dialogue with regional powers, in order to strengthen its national position and promote the reconstruction process.
With the US, Syria aims to join the international coalition against the Islamic State (IS), while also seeking support for reconstruction and the easing of sanctions—essential elements for the recovery of a nation that has just endured 14 years of civil war. Meanwhile, Russia remains an irreplaceable strategic partner. Moscow plays a key role in stabilizing Syria's security and politics, maintaining a military presence, supporting security mechanisms, and protecting Russia's strategic interests in the Middle East. Al-Sharaa's visit to Russia in mid-October 2024 confirms Syria's need to maintain a long-term channel of dialogue and cooperation with Moscow to ensure internal security, regional stability, and the reconstruction of critical infrastructure.
Not only focusing on the two major powers, the new Syrian government is also expanding relations with Middle Eastern and Gulf countries, including Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, seeking economic support, energy cooperation, and trade. At the same time, Syria is also fostering diplomatic relations with European countries to gradually break down its isolation, improve its international image, and strengthen the legitimacy of the transitional government.
This multilateral diplomatic strategy holds significant implications. First, it helps Syria reaffirm its status as an independent and sovereign nation, minimizing the risk of dependence on a single party. Second, simultaneously engaging with Washington, Moscow, and regional partners allows Damascus to maximize economic and political benefits, from aid and investment to internal security. Third, regionally, Syria is re-establishing a balancing role, contributing to de-escalating tensions between external forces.
However, according to observers, the challenges remain significant. Syria needs to maintain flexibility in its foreign policy, avoiding being drawn into conflicts of interest between the US and Russia, as well as between regional powers. At the same time, the al-Sharaa regime must address internal issues such as ethnic divisions, factional reconciliation, and security stability if it wants these diplomatic steps to truly yield lasting results. Overall, Syria's multilateral diplomatic strategy is a crucial test for a "new Syria": simultaneously seeking international cooperation, asserting sovereignty, and aiming for economic recovery and social reconciliation.
