Trump hosts Syria’s Sharaa at White House, Damascus joins anti-IS group coalition

In a significant diplomatic development, US President Donald Trump hosted Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa for closed-door talks at the White House, which culminated in Syria's inclusion in the international coalition against the Islamic State (IS) group. This meeting, held on October 23, 2023, represents a notable shift in the relationship between the US and Syria, a nation that has faced international isolation for years. By welcoming Syria into this coalition, Washington is signaling a willingness to engage with the Assad regime in a collective fight against terrorism, which could reshape the dynamics of the Middle East. The decision to include Syria in the anti-IS coalition reflects a broader strategy to unify efforts against extremist groups, highlighting the evolving nature of international alliances in the face of ongoing security threats.