"I think very good, young, attractive guy, tough guy. You know, strong past, very strong past, a fighter,” Trump said

Sharaa, once an al Qaeda militant, has risen to become Syria's president. His meeting with U.S. President Trump marks a milestone in his political journey. Despite challenges, including fears of authoritarian rule and sectarian violence,

Speaking aboard Air Force One on his way to Qatar, Trump continued his charm offensive in the Middle East by speaking highly of President Ahmed al-Sharaa, 42, after the pair met earlier that day ...

Gulf states are keen to invest in Syria, which has important mineral and oil reserves, but had been prevented from doing so by U.S. sanctions. President Trump has now pledged to lift the restrictions.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa will not attend the Arab League Summit in Baghdad this weekend, Syrian state media said on Monday, after Iraq's invitation spurred controversy over the rebel-turned-leader's potential return to a country where he fought and was jailed.

“There are indirect talks with Israel through mediators to calm and attempt to absorb the situation so that it does not reach a level that both sides lose control over,” al-Sharaa said, reiterating blame on Israel over what he described as its “random interventions” in Syria.

Al-Sharaa’s recent overtures included proposing US economic ventures in Syria, such as a Trump Tower in Damascus and access to oil and gas fields—moves widely seen as aimed at attracting Western investment and securing political legitimacy.

The day began with pomp in the Saudi capital and ended in Qatar after the U.S. leader was greeted with camels and sped to what he said was a “perfecto” marble palace.