Syria's al-Sharaa on historic visit to US, here's what you need to know

"The Syrian president will visit the White House, a first for any leader from post-independence Syria. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa arrived in the United States on Saturday, ahead of a historic meeting with his US counterpart, Donald Trump. This marks the first time a Syrian president has visited the White House in at least 80 years. list of 3 itemsend of list The meeting is of particular importance considering the US's power in removing sanctions, something Syria badly needs to kick-start its economy."

"For Syria, it is likely about making moves to finally repeal the Caesar Act, a series of sanctions the US applied to Syria in 2019, during the rule of former President Bashar al-Assad, who was overthrown by a lightning offensive led by al-Sharaa in December last year. While the Trump administration gave an executive order to lift sanctions on Syria, the US Congress has to vote to repeal the Caesar Act. US sanctions on Syria date as far back as the late 1970s, though more were applied in 2004 and again in 2011."

"Removing all the sanctions on Syria means the country can return to the global financial system, making investments and business smoother. It will also help it rebuild its devastated healthcare system and infrastructure damaged during the 13-year civil war that broke out after Syria's 2011 revolution and the al-Assad government's heavy-handed response to it. Al-Sharaa is reportedly also seeking funds for Syrian reconstruction after the war. Many neighbourhoods were turned to dust and continue to sit in piles of rubble. The World B"

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa arrived in the United States for a historic White House meeting with US President Donald Trump, the first visit by a Syrian president in at least 80 years. The visit centers on US sanctions relief, notably repeal of the 2019 Caesar Act, which requires congressional approval despite an executive order to lift sanctions. US sanctions on Syria date back to the late 1970s with additions in 2004 and 2011. Reported meetings with US lawmakers, including Congressman Brian Mast, were described as positive. Lifting sanctions would restore Syria's access to the global financial system and enable reconstruction, healthcare, and infrastructure rebuilding after the 13-year civil war.

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