Trump's Surprise Syria Move: Saudi Arabia Orchestrates Major Geopolitical Shift

Riyadh Summit: Trump's Syria Policy Shift and the Saudi-Led Realignment The recent meeting between President Donald Trump and Syria's new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has sent shockwaves through the Middle East. This unexpected summit, facilitated by extensive Saudi lobbying, signals a major realignment of regional power dynamics. The event has been described by Al Jazeera’s Hashem Ahelbarra as a ‘massive political development.’ For months, Saudi Arabia, along with Qatar, Kuwait, and Turkey, has been quietly working to bring about this shift. Their efforts focused on persuading the international community, including the U.S. and the EU, to lift sanctions against Syria and recognize the new government. Ahelbarra notes that this is ‘crucial’ because it allows these countries to commit to significant financial aid and support for Syria. The lifting of sanctions, according to Ahelbarra, is a key element in securing the backing of the international community. The culmination of these efforts was evident in Trump's speech at the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum, where he publicly declared the lifting of sanctions on Syria. This action was clearly a gesture of gratitude toward Saudi Arabia, as evidenced by Trump's direct gaze toward Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during the announcement. The Saudi media has since expressed a feeling of pride in their role in achieving this landmark agreement. The Riyadh summit marks a turning point in the Syrian conflict and the broader Middle East. It paves the way for a new era of regional cooperation and potentially signals a reduced Iranian influence in the region. The success of this Saudi-led initiative demonstrates the growing political and financial leverage of the Kingdom on the world stage.