Syrian President al-Sharaa to visit Washington, D.C., marking first such trip since independence and signaling potential re-engagement with U.S.-led coalition.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa is expected to visit Washington, D.C., within the next two weeks, marking the first time a Syrian head of state has traveled to the U.S. capital since 1946. U.S. Special Envoy Tom Barrack announced the planned trip during the Manama Dialogue, stating the visit could lead to Syria joining the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State. The move reflects broader diplomatic efforts to re-engage Syria after years of isolation under Bashar al-Assad. The U.S. is also pushing for a security agreement between Syria and Israel to end Israeli airstrikes and withdraw forces from southern Syria. Sharaa, who led a former Al Qaeda affiliate, has distanced himself from extremist ties and is seeking to reposition Syria as a moderate regional actor.