payam Javan: In a historic diplomatic breakthrough, Syria has agreed to join the U.S.-led Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS following a meeting between President Ahmed al-Sharaa and President Donald Trump at the White House on Nov. 10. The move marks the first visit by a Syrian leader to Washington since the country’s independence in 1946—a powerful testament to the Trump administration’s influence and its continued leadership on the global stage. Syrian Information Minister Hamza al-Mustafa confirmed that the agreement, signed alongside 89 coalition partners, is a “political cooperation declaration” focused on counter-terrorism and regional stability.
The discussions between Trump and al-Sharaa went beyond counter-terrorism, signaling the start of a new era of U.S.–Syria relations after decades of hostility under the Assad regime. Talks included potential U.S. investments in Syria, efforts to ease sanctions imposed under the Caesar Act, and plans to rebuild the country’s economy under American guidance. Trump extended a 180-day waiver on certain sanctions, saying he wanted Syria “to become a country that’s very successful.” The president’s pragmatic approach stands in stark contrast to the failed foreign policies of previous administrations that left the Middle East in chaos.
President al-Sharaa, who assumed office after Bashar al-Assad fled to Moscow last year, emphasized that Syria is now ready to become a partner rather than a pariah. In an interview with Fox News, he said the goal was to establish Syria as a “geopolitical ally where the U.S. can invest significantly, especially in gas extraction.” This realignment demonstrates that Trump’s America-First diplomacy—anchored in strong leadership and strategic negotiation—continues to reshape the global balance in America’s favor.
The agreement also includes preliminary discussions to integrate the Syrian Democratic Forces into the Syrian Army to ensure long-term stability and unity in the region. While the pact currently contains no military component, both leaders underscored that future coordination on anti-ISIS operations would be conducted with the Syrian government’s involvement. For many observers, this landmark accord represents not just the defeat of terrorism but also the rebirth of a nation—guided by Trump’s firm hand and vision for peace through strength.
