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Trump heaps praise on Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa as he lifts sanctions

In this photo released by the Saudi Royal Palace, Syria's interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, left, shakes hands with President Donald Trump, centre, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. At right is Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.(Bandar Aljaloud/Saudi Royal Palace via AP)
In this photo released by the Saudi Royal Palace, Syria's interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, left, shakes hands with President Donald Trump, centre, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. At right is Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.(Bandar Aljaloud/Saudi Royal Palace via AP)
  • Donald Trump met with syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former al-Qaeda fighter, marking the first meeting between US and syrian leaders in 25 years.
  • Trump praised al-Sharaa, lifted US sanctions on Syria, and encouraged normalized relations with Israel.
  • Al-Sharaa became Syria's interim president after his group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), ousted the Assad regime.
  • Al-Sharaa's past includes fighting US forces in Iraq and leading the Nusra Front, an al-Qaeda affiliate in Syria.
  • Despite his past, al-Sharaa has pledged an inclusive government and distanced himself from al-Qaeda.
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