The U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan compromise on Monday. This deal aims to conclude the country’s longest government shutdown. The political stalemate had disrupted air travel and delayed food assistance for millions of Americans.
The bill is now headed to the House of Representatives. Speaker Nancy Pelosi expects a vote by Wednesday. If approved, it will be sent to President Donald Trump for his signature. This marks a major step toward restoring government operations.
Historic White House Meeting: Trump Hosts Syria’s New President
In a move attracting global scrutiny, President Trump met with Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, at the White House on Monday. This meeting is genuinely historic. Al-Sharaa is the first Syrian president to enter the Oval Office since Syria gained independence in 1946.
The event signals a dramatic shift in U.S. foreign policy. Al-Sharaa was once listed as a wanted terrorist. He had a $10 million bounty on his head. Today, he is recognized as Syria’s transitional president.
From Militant Leader to Diplomatic Statesman
Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa was born in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 1982. He grew up in Damascus. His family belonged to Syria’s Sunni Muslim community.
Al-Sharaa’s ties to the United States began in 2003. He pledged allegiance to al-Qaeda soon after the U.S. invasion of Iraq.
He fought against American forces for several years. American troops later captured him in 2006. He was released from detention in 2011 after five years.
During Syria’s civil war, al-Sharaa rose quickly. He founded the Nusra Front, a local branch of al-Qaeda. The U.S. designated the group as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. This led to a $10 million bounty being placed on his head.
However, in the early 2020s, al-Sharaa shifted focus from militant activity to governance. He merged the Nusra Front with other factions to form Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
He became the group’s emir. He publicly distanced HTS from al-Qaeda. He then established the Syrian Salvation Government (SSG) to administer northwestern Syria.
The Rise of Syria’s New Leadership
In November 2024, HTS forces joined Western-backed groups. They engaged Iranian and Russian-backed Assad regime forces in a decisive offensive. The 11-day conflict led to the collapse of the Assad government. This paved the way for al-Sharaa’s rise.
He was named Syria’s transitional president in January 2025. This followed Bashar al-Assad’s flight to Russia. Al-Sharaa suspended the Syrian constitution.
He formed a temporary legislative council. He prioritizes restoring state institutions and economic recovery. Western countries have since begun lifting sanctions on Syria.
Al-Sharaa became the first Syrian leader in nearly six decades to attend the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025. At the UN, he emphasized Syria’s long struggle for dignity and justice.
A New Chapter in U.S.-Syria Relations
President Trump’s meeting with al-Sharaa marks a turning point in U.S.-Syria relations. These ties have been tense for nearly eight decades.
Trump had previously signaled a desire for improved ties. He revoked most U.S. sanctions on Syria in June 2025.
After their meeting, Trump praised al-Sharaa, calling him “a tough guy” and expressing optimism about Syria’s future. Al-Sharaa affirmed Syria is now a strategic partner of the United States. He stated his past association with al-Qaeda is behind him.
Challenges Ahead for Syria
Syria and the U.S. have agreed to integrate the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces into the national army.
This move aims to unify state institutions. The U.S. also supports ongoing security negotiations between Syria and Israel.
Despite these diplomatic advances, Syria faces significant internal challenges. These include sectarian violence, Kurdish autonomy movements, and militant groups opposed to al-Sharaa’s moderate policies. These groups could challenge his fragile authority.
