Syrian President Plans First Washington Visit, US Seeks Syria Coalition Entry Against ISIS

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa is set to visit the White House in early November, marking the first official visit by a Syrian head of state to Washington. The visit aims to discuss Syria's reconstruction, lifting of U.S. sanctions, and the potential establishment of a strong partnership between Syria and the United States. U.S. officials expect Syria to announce its accession to the U.S.-led international coalition against ISIS during this visit, a significant step in regional security cooperation. Additionally, ongoing U.S.-mediated talks between Syria and Israel are nearing a security pact aimed at de-escalating tensions, though normalization or peace agreements are not currently on the table. Since taking power last December, al-Sharaa has been working to restore Syria's ties with global powers that had distanced themselves during the previous regime. The U.S. sees these developments as important steps toward stabilizing the region and countering terrorism.