Sharaa, whose forces ousted longtime ruler Bashar Assad late last year, is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday. The visit marks the first by a Syrian head of state to the United States since the country’s independence in 1946, analysts said.

The interim Syrian leader previously met Trump in Riyadh in May during the U.S. president’s regional tour.

Washington’s envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, said earlier this month that Sharaa was expected to sign an agreement for Syria to join the international U.S.-led coalition against the Daesh (Islamic State) group.

According to a diplomatic source in Damascus, the United States also plans to establish a military base near the Syrian capital “to coordinate humanitarian aid and observe developments between Syria and Israel.”

Delisting and Diplomatic Shifts

The U.S. State Department’s decision to remove Sharaa from the terrorism blacklist on Friday had been widely anticipated.

State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said Sharaa’s government had made progress in addressing key American demands, including cooperation on locating missing U.S. citizens and eliminating any remaining chemical weapons stockpiles.

“These actions are being taken in recognition of the progress demonstrated by the Syrian leadership after the departure of Bashar Assad and more than 50 years of repression under the Assad regime,” Pigott said.

He added that removing Sharaa from the blacklist would promote “regional security and stability as well as an inclusive, Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process.”

Crackdown on Daesh

Syria’s interior ministry announced on Saturday that it had carried out 61 raids and made 71 arrests in a “proactive campaign to neutralize the threat” of Daesh, according to the state-run SANA news agency.

The ministry said the operations targeted suspected Islamic State sleeper cells across several provinces, including Aleppo, Idlib, Hama, Homs, Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa, and Damascus.

Following his arrival in Washington, Sharaa met with representatives of Syrian community organizations in the U.S. capital, Syrian media reported.

In a lighthearted moment ahead of his departure, Syrian Foreign Minister posted a video on social media showing Sharaa playing basketball with U.S. CENTCOM Commander Gen. Brad Cooper and Kevin Lambert, head of the international anti-Daesh coalition in Iraq, with the caption: “Work hard, play harder.”

From Rebel Commander to Statesman

Sharaa’s visit to Washington follows his appearance at the United Nations General Assembly in September — his first trip to U.S. soil — where he became the first Syrian president in decades to address the assembly in New York.

On Thursday, the U.S. led a Security Council vote to lift U.N. sanctions against him.

Once affiliated with Al-Qaeda, Sharaa formerly led the militant group Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), which was delisted as a terrorist organization by Washington in July.

Since seizing power, Syria’s new leadership has sought to distance itself from its extremist roots and project a more moderate, internationally acceptable image.

“The White House visit is further testament to the U.S. commitment to the new Syria and a hugely symbolic moment for the country’s new leader, who thus marks another step in his astonishing transformation from militant leader to global statesman,” said Michael Hanna, U.S. Program Director at the International Crisis Group.

Reconstruction Challenges Ahead

Sharaa is expected to seek international funding for Syria’s post-war reconstruction during his visit. The country faces enormous economic and humanitarian challenges after 13 years of civil conflict.

In October, the World Bank estimated the cost of rebuilding Syria at a “conservative best estimate” of $216 billion.

As Washington and Damascus cautiously rebuild diplomatic ties, Sharaa’s visit signals what many observers see as a historic turning point — both for Syria’s reemergence on the world stage and for a region long defined by conflict and isolation.

The announcement marks a shift toward optimism and collaboration, emphasizing peace, stability, and shared responsibility between both nations.

Merz acknowledged Germany’s long-standing humanitarian role during the Syrian civil war, when the country opened its doors to over one million refugees fleeing violence.

He praised the resilience and contributions of the Syrian community in Germany, recognizing their vital role in enriching German society, culture, and the economy over the past decade.

The chancellor’s message was framed around unity, opportunity, and the importance of rebuilding a peaceful Syria.

He expressed hope that many Syrians would voluntarily return home once conditions stabilize, bringing valuable skills and education that can strengthen their nation’s social and economic foundation.

Germany’s new focus is not on deportation but on creating pathways for safe, voluntary, and sustainable repatriation.

Officials emphasized that every decision will be guided by humanitarian principles, respect for international law, and coordination with global organizations to ensure the protection of human rights.

Merz noted that Syria’s transition from conflict to reconstruction presents a chance for healing and renewal.

He stressed that Germany stands ready to support this process through partnerships in infrastructure, education, and humanitarian assistance, helping to restore essential services and opportunities in Syrian communities.

The German government aims to work closely with the European Union, the United Nations, and Syrian authorities to build frameworks that encourage voluntary returns while ensuring safety and dignity for all participants.

This coordinated approach underlines Germany’s commitment to stability, peacebuilding, and mutual cooperation in the post-war phase.

Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, during his recent visit to Syria, reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to humanitarian aid and development.

He emphasized that long-term peace will depend on social inclusion, reconstruction of local economies, and the reintegration of returning citizens into safe and productive environments.

German policymakers view this as an opportunity to transform the narrative on migration — from crisis to cooperation.

By empowering Syrians to rebuild their homeland, Germany seeks to create conditions for sustainable peace while continuing to support refugees who remain vulnerable or unable to return.

Community leaders and advocacy groups have welcomed the government’s renewed emphasis on voluntary repatriation and reconstruction.

They stress the importance of ensuring that any return process is based on individual choice, transparent communication, and adequate support for families transitioning back to life in Syria.

At the same time, Germany remains firm in its commitment to counter extremism, uphold security, and strengthen integration programs for those who stay.

Officials continue to highlight the achievements of Syrian professionals, students, and entrepreneurs in Germany who have become symbols of determination and coexistence.

The policy discussion also aims to balance compassion with responsibility, ensuring that humanitarian values remain central to migration and foreign policy.

Experts believe that successful reintegration of returning Syrians can contribute to regional stability, economic growth, and cultural exchange between Europe and the Middle East.Germany’s message is one of partnership, optimism, and renewal.

The government envisions a future where Syria stands as a stable, self-sufficient nation that maintains strong ties with Europe, particularly in education, trade, and innovation.

This vision aligns with Germany’s broader goal of promoting peace and unity through cooperation and shared development.

Chancellor Merz concluded his remarks with a hopeful tone, emphasizing that rebuilding Syria requires global support and the courage of its people.

Germany, he said, will continue to stand by the Syrian community, both at home and abroad, to ensure that peace, opportunity, and dignity become lasting realities for all.