Former US President Trump Holds Meeting with Islamic Scholars at the White House

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa met with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, marking the first time a Syrian leader has ever visited the presidential residence. The meeting caps off what officials are calling a pivotal year for Syria, coming six months after the two leaders first met in Saudi Arabia.

The visit happened without the usual fanfare that surrounds foreign leader meetings. Al-Sharaa entered through a side entrance away from reporters, rather than the main West Wing door where cameras typically wait. A White House official confirmed the meeting between the two leaders had begun.

Security issues will likely dominate their discussions. Just hours before the historic meeting, two senior officials revealed that Syria had foiled two separate ISIS assassination plots targeting al-Sharaa. This adds urgency to talks about regional stability and counterterrorism cooperation.

Trump told reporters days before the meeting that "significant progress" had been made on Syrian issues. He praised al-Sharaa's performance, saying "I think al-Sharaa is doing well. It's a complex region and he's a strong man, but I got along with him very well."

The low-key nature of the visit suggests both sides want to focus on substance over symbolism. For Syria, gaining direct access to the US president represents a major diplomatic breakthrough. For Trump, the meeting offers a chance to shape Middle East policy through direct engagement rather than proxy relationships.

The timing is significant. Syria has been working to rebuild international relationships and establish security after years of conflict. Trump's willingness to meet al-Sharaa signals a potential shift in US-Syria relations, though the private nature of their entrance suggests both sides remain cautious about public perception.