The announcement by US Special Envoy to Syria, Thomas Barrack, of President Ahmad Al-Sharaa’s visit to Washington on 10 November – and his meeting with President Donald Trump – has sparked debate in political circles. Al-Sharaa will be the first Syrian president to meet a US president at the White House, reportedly to formalise Damascus’ entry into the international coalition against terrorism.
Despite the general political agenda outlined by the US envoy, the visit represents a real opportunity for Damascus to resolve many long-standing regional issues, previously considered closed. Only Trump holds the keys – including security arrangements with Israel, the integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the Syrian army, implementation of the “Suwayda Roadmap”, and lifting of the Caesar sanctions – all issues where Washington holds the decisive voice.
Military Dimension
Al-Sharaa’s visit to Russia marked a new turning point in Syria’s international alliances. Damascus sees it as a form of international political balance, though Washington does not. The US views Syria, post-Assad, as a new tool to contain Iranian influence in Iraq and Lebanon, and to reduce Russian presence in Syria.
With Syria joining the international coalition, it would likely be removed from the list of state sponsors of terrorism – tying it militarily and politically to the Western bloc, which Moscow fears and approaches cautiously. It would also position Damascus strategically should Iranian influence expand along the Iraqi or Lebanese borders, where the risk of strikes against remaining Hezbollah forces remains high.
Despite Syria’s obligations to the coalition, the alliance would strengthen its military position, provide access to training programmes and advanced weapons, and offer political cover in the region against Israeli strikes – giving Damascus weight in internal affairs as a trusted US partner.
Regarding the SDF, Washington does not appear intent on forcing rapid integration. Syria’s entry into the coalition could create a new army structure under coalition supervision, potentially serving as a partner in planning the SDF’s military integration while controlling Turkish escalation.
Read also : Syria in the Global Coalition: Partnership Against Terror or Political Containment?
Syria and Israel
Meeting with President Trump to discuss negotiations with Israel implies avoiding the Golan Heights, which Trump recognised as Israeli outside international consensus. Washington will focus on security guarantees that Damascus can offer to gain Israel’s agreement on a security arrangement. Syria becomes a partner in shared US-Israeli goals related to Iranian influence, while presenting a new roadmap in negotiations – potentially recognising Israeli military points in the south and outlining measures to resolve the Suwayda crisis satisfactorily for all parties. Israel continues to see the Druze community as a bargaining chip.
In this context, Damascus may also take significant steps to hold accountable those responsible for civilian abuses – an issue Israel has highlighted in reports to Trump as justification for intervention in Suwayda.
Caesar Sanctions and Israel
Legislative steps to lift sanctions may seem straightforward, but they hinge on many political factors, including Israel. Israeli lobbying wields real influence in Congress, with a strong bloc in the House reviewing the bill after Senate approval. Security arrangements with Israel are closely tied to the legislative process.
The Trump administration is reportedly working to persuade opposing lawmakers to approve sanctions relief. Al-Sharaa’s Washington schedule includes meetings arranged by the presidential team with Senator Jim Risch, chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Representative Brian Mast, chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, to answer questions and ensure congressional approval without amendments.
These files reflect the weight of US influence in Syria, sending a clear message to Damascus’ key regional allies: no understanding or agreement is possible without American guidance. The transitional government understands this, making Al-Sharaa’s visit a critical moment to resolve multiple issues under the supervision of the US president – the holder of the keys.
The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of 963+.
