President Donald Trump met with interim Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia, the first encounter between the two nations’ leaders in 25 years and one that could mark a turning point for the region as Syria struggles to emerge from decades of international isolation.
The meeting marks a major turn of events for a Syria still adjusting to life after the over 50-year, iron-gripped rule of the Assad family, and for its new leader, who once had a $10 million U.S. bounty for his arrest.
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Trump praises Qatar’s ruling emir as an ‘outstanding man’: Trump said Qatar’s ruling emir, Sheikh Tamim Al Thani reminded him of the Saudi crown prince. He called them both “tall, handsome guys that happen to be very smart” — the latest display of warm relations between the president and his Gulf Arab hosts. Iran is a major Trump talking point: Trump told Gulf leaders on Wednesday he urgently wants “to make a deal” with Iran to wind down its nuclear program but Tehran must end its support of proxy groups throughout the region as part of any potential agreement.Trump doubles down on plane gift: In an interview with Fox News aboard Air Force One, Trump defended his efforts to accept a donated replacement plane from Qatar, which is the second stop on his Middle East trip. Democrats say accepting the $400 million jet is a national security threat.