Syrian President’s Historic Trip to Washington

Syria has undergone dramatic changes in recent months, beginning with the fall of former president Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December and the establishment of an interim government in March. Since then, the interim government has sought to establish Syria’s place in the global community.

In September, for the first time in 25 years, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani visited the United States to meet with lawmakers and discuss the lifting of the remaining sanctions on Syria. Later that month, interim president Ahmad al-Sharaa addressed the United Nations in New York, marking the first time a Syrian head of state had spoken before the United Nations since 1967. In his speech, al-Sharaa highlighted his government’s efforts at establishing fact-finding missions within the country so that the United Nations can investigate the killings that have occurred since the new government’s takeover. The interim government also affirmed Syria's commitment to returning to the global stage after decades of isolation and stressed the importance of lifting sanctions on his country to support stability and reform.

Following a meeting with al-Sharaa in May, U.S. President Trump signed a June executive order which lifted most sanctions on Syria and called for the reevaluation of the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act. While most restrictions have been eased, the Caesar Act continues to impact the country, and al-Sharaa stated that Syrian progress will remain inhibited until the sanctions under the Caesar Act are fully lifted. Supporters of keeping the Caesar Act in effect state that it allows the U.S. to continue pushing Syria to address the serious problems continuing to plague the country, especially ethnic tension and violence. They cite the massacres of 1,500 members of the minority Alawite community in coastal Syria in March, which were followed by violent clashes between Bedouin and Druze communities in Suweida in July 2025.

These visits mark a growing effort by the interim government to establish international connections, particularly with the United States, after years of isolation. However, with growing progress toward global cooperation comes internal issues that continue to plague the Syrian people. These trips take place against the backdrop of serious political concerns and ethnic tensions in Syria. As seen with demonstrations outside the United Nations during al-Sharaa’s visit, opinions about the interim government are divided. Some Syrians see al-Sharaa’s government as a necessary change from the tyranny of Assad rule, while others question the government’s ability, or commitment, to prevent the violence that continues against minority communities in Syria. 

Despite these challenges, Syria’s engagement with the international community provides hope for continued change. Reopening diplomatic channels brings not only external assistance but also increased oversight and monitoring by the international community, which may help drive progress toward peace and accountability.