Al-Sharaa set to become first Syrian president to visit the White House

Two decades after being detained by US forces in Iraq for fighting alongside al-Qaida, Ahmad al-Sharaa is poised to make history as the first Syrian president to visit Washington since the country's independence in 1946.

Following his forces' ouster of Bashar Assad last December, al-Sharaa has sought to rebrand himself and Syria, rebuilding ties with nations that once isolated Damascus. His meeting Monday with US President Donald Trump is expected to formalize Syria's entry into the US-led coalition against the Islamic State group and push for a full repeal of remaining sanctions, including the Caesar Act.

Trump has praised al-Sharaa's leadership, saying he deserves "a fighting shot." The UN Security Council and the US Treasury recently lifted sanctions against him and Syria's interior minister. However, some Republicans in Congress want to attach conditions to a broader repeal, citing sectarian violence and minority rights concerns.

Human rights and religious groups have urged Washington to ensure protection for Alawite and Druze minorities, calling for a humanitarian corridor from Israel's Golan Heights into southern Syria.

Despite concerns, supporters argue the Caesar Act now hinders Syria's reconstruction and foreign investment. Advocates like Mouaz Moustafa say the law is "a sledgehammer instead of a scalpel," warning it punishes civilians more than officials.

Al-Sharaa is also expected to sign an agreement bringing Syria into closer coordination with US forces against IS militants. US officials say the move marks a "milestone" in regional security cooperation, even as remnants of the extremist group continue to stage attacks across Syria and Iraq.

Al-Sharaa's journey—from insurgent commander Abu Mohammed al-Golani to Washington guest—underscores one of the most surprising political transformations in the modern Middle East.