From jailed jihadist to the Oval Office: Syria's president caps unlikely rise with Trump meeting
NBC13 hrs
Syrian President al-Sharaa Meets Trump in Historic Visit
Above: Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa delivers a speech to the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change in Belem, Brazil, on Nov. 6, 2025. Image copyright: Ahmet Okur/Anadolu/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Syria's diplomatic breakthrough offers genuine hope for reconstruction and regional stability after years of devastating conflict. Al-Sharaa's engagement with the diaspora and commitment to counter-terrorism cooperation demonstrate serious leadership ready to rebuild the nation. Lifting sanctions creates opportunities for peace and economic recovery.
Establishment-critical narrative
Al-Sharaa's White House visit represents a dangerous legitimization of an extremist leader with al-Qaeda and IS ties. The Syrian government's staged anti-IS raids are transparent propaganda designed to whitewash their terrorist background and secure sanctions relief. America shouldn't reward fake operations with diplomatic recognition.