Trump backs al-Sharaa as Damascus joins anti-ISIS coalition

AWANI

U.S. President Donald Trump pledges to help Syria rebuild after historic talks with President Ahmed al-Sharaa, as Damascus prepares to join the international coalition against ISIS.

Transcript

00:00Syria is set to join the international coalition against the Islamic State Group.

00:05The announcement followed a historic meeting at the White House between President Donald Trump

00:10and Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharah, the first visit by a Syrian leader to Washington since Syria's independence.

00:18During their talks, Trump pledged to help Syria rebuild and voice strong support for al-Sharah,

00:23who until recently had been listed by the U.S. as a terrorist

00:30Well, I've had an agreement with him. He's a very strong leader.

00:34He comes from a very tough place, and he's a tough guy.

00:38I like him. I get along with him, the president, the new president of Syria.

00:42And we'll do everything we can to make Syria successful, because that's part of the Middle East.

00:47We have peace now in the Middle East, the first time that anyone can remember that ever happening.

00:51Following their talks, the U.S. The Treasury Department announced a six-month extension of the suspension of sanctions against Damascus.

01:02In the later interview, Shah R.A. said his past links to al-Qaeda were no longer relevant

01:07and were not discussed during the meeting with Trump.

01:10He insisted Syria is now viewed as a geopolitical partner of Washington, rather than a threat.

01:15The U.S. is also said to be facilitating talks on a possible security pact between Syria and Israel,

01:21though Israeli officials remain cautious given Shah R.A.'s background.

01:25Reports suggest Washington is considering a limited military presence at a Damascus airbase.

01:31Shah R.A.'s visit kept a stunning year for the former rebel who toppled longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad.

01:37Since then, he's traveled the world trying to present himself as a moderate leader,

01:41one aiming to unify his war-torn nation and end years of isolation.

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