Trump - al Sarra Meeting: A Milestone for Syria

Syrian President Ahmed al Sarra is visiting the White House to meet with US President Donald Trump. This marks the first visit of a Syrian president to the White House in years.

The meeting follows Washington's removal of al Sarra's designation as a "Specially Designated Global Terrorist." Al Sarra assumed power a year ago, overthrowing Bashar al-Assad.

Discussions are expected to focus on security, with the US mediating between Syria and Israel. The potential inclusion of Syria in a US-led coalition to combat the Islamic State is also on the agenda.

Trump has stated that "great progress" has been made regarding Syria and that al Sarra is doing a "very good job." Following their meeting in Riyadh, Trump announced the lifting of sanctions against Syria, although the "Caesar" sanctions require congressional approval.

Al Sarra is expected to strongly advocate for the lifting of sanctions, as Syria needs over $200 billion for reconstruction after 14 years of war.

Firas Maksad, director of the Middle East and North Africa department at the ''Eurasia Group'', stated that al Sarra's visit to Washington is indicative of the dramatic change underway in Syria.