Reuters reports that the U.S. is preparing a military presence at a Damascus airbase, potentially sending troops to Syria while maintaining full sovereignty.
Potential U.S. Military Presence in Damascus
Reuters reports that the United States is preparing a military presence at a Damascus air base. Six sources familiar with the matter claim the operation would be for logistics, observation, fuel resupply, and humanitarian missions.
Although American troops would occupy the base, Syria would retain full sovereignty over the site. The aim is to monitor a possible non‑aggression pact between Israel and Syria, which would, among other things, create a demilitarized zone on Syria’s southern frontier.
Trump to Meet President al‑Sharaa at the White House
On Monday, November 10, former President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet Syrian President Ahmed al‑Sharaa at the White House. According to Syrian Foreign Minister Asad al‑Shaibani, the discussion could open a “new chapter” in Damascus‑Washington relations.
This will be the first visit by a Syrian head of state to the White House in more than 80 years. U.S. ambassador to Syria Tom Barrack said that a pact for the Syrian to join the coalition against ISIS might be signed during the meeting.
Background of President al‑Sharaa
Ahmed al‑Sharaa assumed power in Syria after the 2000 ouster of Bashar al‑Assad. The Washington Institute alleges he was a Salafist jihadist linked to al‑Qaida and the Islamic State.
Experts say he later shifted toward a milder Islamist governance model, breaking ties with ISIS in 2013 and with al‑Qaida in 2016.
