INVC NEWS Riyadh – The Diplomatic circles across the world are abuzz after US President Donald Trump met with Syria’s acting President Ahmed al-Shara—a man formerly known as Abu Mohammad al-Golani, once declared a terrorist by the US with a $10 million bounty on his head.
During his high-stakes visit to Saudi Arabia, part of a broader West Asia tour, Trump met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and claimed to have secured $142 billion worth of deals. Yet, it was his quiet sit-down with Syria’s transitional leader that stole the global spotlight and sparked intense political analysis.
From Al-Qaeda Operative to Syria’s Acting President: The Shocking Evolution of Ahmed al-Shara
Born in Saudi Arabia in 1982, Ahmed al-Shara was raised in Damascus, Syria, and originally hailed from the Golan Heights, a region seized by Israel in 1967. Known for years under the name Abu Mohammad al-Golani, he emerged as a powerful figure within the militant group Jabhat al-Nusra, an al-Qaeda affiliate.
Washington had long designated al-Golani a global terrorist, citing direct ties to al-Qaeda, and offered a $10 million reward for information on his whereabouts. His transformation from militant leader to political actor is as unprecedented as it is controversial.
The Fall of Bashar al-Assad and the Rise of a New Power Center in Damascus
Following decades of rule under President Bashar al-Assad, Syria underwent a seismic power shift in December 2024, when al-Shara’s forces seized Damascus amid escalating geopolitical distractions, including Russia’s deepening war in Ukraine and Iran’s military entanglements with Israel.
Backed by regional players like Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, al-Shara formed a new administration headquartered in the capital. His government positioned itself as an alternative to Assad’s oppressive rule, promising economic reforms, social programs, and a restructuring of Syria’s internal power balance.
Idlib: A Parallel Government That Laid the Groundwork
Before consolidating control over Syria, al-Shara governed the Idlib province, establishing a regional administration that contrasted sharply with the rest of war-torn Syria. Under his leadership, the province saw the reintroduction of healthcare and education services alongside the imposition of Sharia law.
His political rebranding effort became more visible as he exchanged combat fatigues for tailored suits, slowly transitioning from insurgent to international figure.
Alawi Minority Targeted as Sectarian Tensions Escalate
Despite promises of inclusivity, reports have emerged of mass violence against Alawi Muslims, the minority sect from which Bashar al-Assad hails. The group, distinct from Shia Islam, has faced alleged persecution by fighters loyal to al-Shara, specifically Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)—an organization that evolved from Jabhat al-Nusra.
Although several international human rights groups have condemned the reported killings, the US government’s response has remained measured, further highlighting the geopolitical complexity surrounding Syria’s new regime.
Trump’s Strategic Gamble: From Isolation to Recognition
The most dramatic moment of Trump’s tour came on May 14, when he met al-Shara in Riyadh and announced the removal of longstanding US sanctions on Syria. These sanctions were initially imposed to choke Assad’s regime but remained in place even after his ouster.
This encounter marks the first time a sitting US President has met a figure previously designated as a terrorist by the very government he leads. The decision is widely seen as a geopolitical power play aimed at reasserting American influence in the Middle East, countering both Russian and Iranian regional strategies.
What This Means for the US and Global Politics
While critics argue that Trump’s handshake with al-Shara represents a dangerous normalization of militant figures, others believe it could pave the way for stability in post-Assad Syria. The US appears to be testing whether al-Shara can uphold democratic values and curb extremist elements from within.
This move also reflects a broader pattern in Trump’s foreign policy, which often favors economic pragmatism and strategic alliances over historical grievances. By supporting a newly formed Syrian government that is more open to Western engagement, the Trump administration may be trying to reset the balance of power in West Asia.
West Asia’s Realignment: Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Beyond
Trump’s Saudi tour, though anchored in massive trade agreements, underscores a deeper shift. Saudi Arabia has long sought to counter Iranian influence in Syria and sees al-Shara as a potential partner. Turkey and Qatar, already invested in al-Shara’s rise, are likely to follow through with joint reconstruction and energy projects.
These alignments may isolate Russia and Iran, both of which backed Assad to the end. With Assad ousted and al-Shara gaining international recognition, the stage is being set for a new era of diplomacy in West Asia—one where military roots don’t necessarily disqualify political legitimacy.
The Global Stakes: Will the World Embrace Ahmed al-Shara?
The international community remains divided. Some nations are cautiously optimistic about al-Shara’s promises of reform and inclusivity. Others worry that his background poses too great a risk for long-term peace.
As Washington begins easing sanctions and opens channels of communication, the message is clear: global politics is entering a phase where enemies of the past can become partners of the present—if they prove their intent.
