Syrian president Ahmed al Sharaa, once a jihadist commander and leader of the Nusra Front, has arrived in Washington for a historic meeting with Donald Trump. His transformation from battlefield militant to statesman marks a dramatic shift in international relations, as the United States now sees him as the best hope for stabilising Syria after years of devastating conflict. The visit is the first by a Syrian head of state since the country's independence and signals a potential thaw in relations, with discussions expected to focus on lifting sanctions, fighting Islamic State, and normalising ties with Israel.

While Mr Sharaa has distanced himself from his extremist past, recent sectarian clashes in Syria highlight the fragility of his leadership and the challenges ahead. The United States is betting that supporting him will prevent further chaos and limit the influence of Iran and Russia in the region. If successful, this diplomatic gamble could reshape Syria's role in the Middle East and transform a former enemy into a key ally.