• A potential meeting between Trump and Syria’s new president could signal a shift in U.S. sanctions policy.
  • Syria seeks economic reintegration, proposing a "Ukraine-style" minerals deal to the U.S.
  • Analysts warn of risks in engaging with a leader formerly tied to Al-Qaeda, despite economic incentives.

A Pivotal Diplomatic Encounter

President Donald Trump is expected to meet Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh this Wednesday, marking a significant step in U.S.-Syria relations following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad in late 2024. The meeting, first reported by Axios, comes as Trump publicly considers lifting U.S. sanctions—a move Syria’s government has welcomed as a potential catalyst for economic recovery.

Economic Stakes at Play

Syria, crippled by over a decade of sanctions and war, is pushing for a "Ukraine-style" minerals deal, offering access to its natural resources in exchange for sanctions relief. Limited exemptions have already been granted, but full removal could unlock foreign investment in reconstruction and resource extraction. "This is an encouraging step toward ending the suffering of the Syrian people," a government spokesperson said, though U.S. officials remain cautious, insisting on governance reforms before broader relief.

Geopolitical Calculations

The meeting underscores a potential realignment in the region, with the new Syrian leadership distancing itself from Iran—a shift the U.S. sees as an opportunity to counter Russian and Iranian influence. However, al-Sharaa’s controversial past as a former Al-Qaeda affiliate complicates matters. "The U.S. risks legitimizing a regime with a problematic human rights record," one analyst noted, "but the economic and strategic upside is hard to ignore."

What’s Next?

Short-term, even symbolic engagement could pave the way for incremental sanctions relief. Long-term, full normalization hinges on Syria’s commitment to stability and reform. As Trump’s Middle East tour continues, all eyes are on Riyadh—and whether this unexpected diplomacy will translate into tangible economic gains.