Ahmed al-Sharaa, once a leading figure in a Syrian Islamist armed group and with roots in al-Qaeda, has become the first Syrian leader to visit the White House, meeting with United States President Donald Trump. Al-Sharaa's rise to power followed his group's overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in 2024, ending decades of family rule and the long, brutal Syrian civil war. Since taking control, his group has sought to distance itself from its extremist past, promoting a message of tolerance and stability, though skepticism remains about its true intentions. The meeting in Washington signals a dramatic shift in international relations, as both the United States and Syria seek new alliances and opportunities in a changing Middle East. The future of Syria, and its impact on the region, remains uncertain as al-Sharaa attempts to consolidate power and navigate complex regional dynamics.