Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator
On November 10, U.S. President Donald Trump received Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the White House, and the pair shared a two-hour meeting behind closed doors.
According to recent reports, Washington and Damascus are on the verge of a significant political realignment, detailed in a proposed U.S.–Syria framework. The meeting between Trump and al-Sharaa outlined sweeping security, political, and economic measures that could dramatically alter the balance of power in the Middle East.
This ambitious U.S. attempt to reshape Syria’s role comes as the new government in Damascus moves rapidly to reverse a decade of economic collapse, with major UAE investments and the end of crippling public rationing signaling a new era.
The high-level meeting in Washington has already set a new tone. Trump later praised his Syrian counterpart, telling reporters that “his tough past will help him rebuild his country,” adding, “We’ve all had hard pasts… I think, honestly, you don’t stand a chance in this region unless you’ve had one.”
According to U.S. envoy Tom Barrack, al-Sharaa "spoke frankly" with President Trump about Israeli aggression in southern Syria. Barrack noted that while Syria's new government "has not fired a single bullet," Israel has continued its "aggressive approach."
Critically, the new framework appears to be resolving Syria's complex internal conflicts. Mazloum Abdi, General Commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), posted on X: "I just had a fantastic phone call with Ambassador Tom Barak to discuss the results of the meeting with President al-Sharaa at the White House, and our commitment to accelerating the integration of the SDF into the Syrian state."
Meanwhile, Syrian Finance Minister Mohammad Yasar Barniya announced a 200% salary increase for public sector employees, alongside reforms targeting equitable pensions for retired military personnel.
Trump inherited a “regime change” war in Syria, orchestrated and funded by President Obama and President Joe Biden, which began in 2011 and was heavily supported by the US government, among others.
In 2017, Trump shutdown the covert CIA program “Timber Sycamore” which cut the funding of the armed opposition in Syria.
The diplomatic thaw is intrinsically linked to Syria's dire economic needs and the new government's aggressive reform agenda. The al-Sharaa administration inherited an economy in ruins.
Under the previous regime of Assad, Syria's economy experienced a catastrophic 14-year collapse:
* GDP: Declined by more than 86% compared to 2011.
* Poverty: Over 90% of the population lived below the poverty line.
* Currency: The currency collapsed to approximately 15,000 SYP per U.S. dollar.
* Wages: The average government salary plummeted to the equivalent of just $17 per month.
* Rationing: Living standards were decimated by severe rationing. Citizens were entitled to just 25 liters of gasoline every 10 to 20 days and 50 liters of diesel for the entire winter. Electricity was infamously supplied for one hour, followed by six hours of blackout.
This reality began to change immediately after the fall of the previous regime. Food items dropped in price, as it was revealed the Assad family had control over eggs, meat, bread, gasoline, diesel and many other necessities like baby milk.
The most significant new investments, however, have come from the United Arab Emirates, signaling a major vote of confidence:
* Latakia Port: Abu Dhabi Ports (AD Ports) Group signed an agreement to acquire a 20% stake ($22 million) in the Latakia container terminal, in a joint venture with French shipping giant CMA CGM. The group aims to upgrade the terminal and restore its role as a "critical trade gateway."
* Tartous Port: In a separate, larger deal, Dubai-based DP World signed a 30-year concession agreement in July to develop and operate the port of Tartous, pledging investments estimated at $800 million.
In return, Washington would consider lifting remaining sanctions on Damascus and gradually withdrawing U.S. forces from Syrian territory once new security arrangements are established. Al-Sharaa, according to the draft, would seek U.S. political backing to consolidate authority and neutralize residual opposition forces.
Since al-Sharaa took power, fuel and diesel have become fully available, and electricity access has expanded significantly, signaling the first tangible signs of recovery.
The draft agenda for the Washington meeting, reviewed by analysts, outlines a comprehensive plan for a new U.S.-Syrian partnership, built on five core American demands:
* Dismantling Syria’s chemical weapons stockpiles.
* Formally joining the international coalition to combat terrorism.
* Signing a security agreement with Israel to end reciprocal airstrikes and establish demilitarized zones in southern Syria.
* Guaranteeing minority rights and political participation as a foundation for lasting stability.
In return for Syria's full cooperation—which includes joining the international coalition against ISIS, signing a security pact with Israel, and eventually joining the Abraham Accords—Washington would consider lifting all remaining sanctions on Damascus and potentially withdrawing U.S. forces from Syrian territory.
The proposed 11-point meeting agenda details the extent of this new engagement, including:
* Turkish–Israeli reconciliation and the delineation of influence zones within Syria.
* The establishment of a new U.S. military base in Damascus, in addition to the existing Al-Tanf base.
* A tri-lateral U.S.–Syrian security, military, and economic alliance, opening the door for American companies to participate in Syria’s reconstruction.
* Full normalization between Syria and Israel before the end of the year.
* Expanded security operations by Turkey (In Deir ez-Zor, Iraq, and Gaza) and Israel (in Lebanon and southern Syria) to eliminate extremist factions. (Lilly: HZ and ISIS and Iraq Iran militias)
In addition, the United States seeks intelligence cooperation with Damascus—focusing on missing American citizens and the exchange of information on extremist networks.
Saudi Arabia would spearhead Syria’s economic recovery and reconstruction efforts.
Turkey would gain leverage through its role in integrating Syria into the anti-terror coalition and coordinating the replacement of Kurdish-led forces in northeastern Syria with the Syrian army.
Israel, through normalization and security coordination, would see diminished justification for continued military operations in Syria while engaging in limited cooperation with Turkey under U.S. supervision.
Turkey would establish a base in Deir ez-Zor to prevent Iranian arms transfers to Hezbollah and conduct cross-border operations.
Israel would focus on neutralizing Hezbollah in Lebanon and consolidating control over southern Syria.
The proposed U.S.–Syria framework represents an ambitious attempt to redefine Syria’s post-war identity—transforming it from a sanctioned, isolated state into a pivotal partner in regional security and reconstruction.
The combination of high-level U.S. diplomacy and massive Gulf investment signals that Syria's chapter of isolation and economic collapse may be decisively coming to an end.
Steven Sahiounie is a two-time award-winning journalist.