US President Donald Trump will host Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara for talks in Washington next week marking the first-ever visit by a Syrian leader to the White House.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shibani confirmed on Sunday that the meeting will take place early this month and focus on postwar reconstruction and easing sanctions on Damascus.
“This visit is certainly historic,” Mr Shibani told a panel at the Manama Dialogue in Bahrain. Many topics will be discussed, starting with the lifting of sanctions.”
US special envoy to Syria and ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack said on Saturday that Mr Al Shara’s visit is scheduled for November 10, indicating a potential thaw in relations between Washington and Damascus after more than a decade of isolation.
The Syrian leader is expected to sign an agreement to join the US-led coalition against ISIS – a major policy shift for a country long viewed by Washington as a pariah state.
It underscores a remarkable turnaround for Mr Al Shara, who once had a $10 million US bounty on his head and was sanctioned by Washington over his role in the country’s brutal civil conflict.
The planned talks come at a delicate moment in Middle East diplomacy.
Mr Trump has been pressing regional allies to “seize the moment” and consolidate a lasting peace following the ceasefire and hostage-exchange deal reached earlier this month between Israel and Hamas.
If the visit proceeds as planned, Mr Al Shara will become the first Syrian leader to meet an American president since Hafez al Assad met former President Bill Clinton in Geneva in 2000.
For Washington, the meeting represents a dramatic recalibration of policy towards Damascus, one that could reshape the political landscape of the Middle East.
WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?
1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull
2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight
3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge
4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own
5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed
THE BIO
Age: 30
Favourite book: The Power of Habit
Favourite quote: "The world is full of good people, if you cannot find one, be one"
Favourite exercise: The snatch
Favourite colour: Blue
Fresh faces in UAE side
Khalifa Mubarak (24) An accomplished centre-back, the Al Nasr defender’s progress has been hampered in the past by injury. With not many options in central defence, he would bolster what can be a problem area.
Ali Salmeen (22) Has been superb at the heart of Al Wasl’s midfield these past two seasons, with the Dubai club flourishing under manager Rodolfo Arrubarrena. Would add workrate and composure to the centre of the park.
Mohammed Jamal (23) Enjoyed a stellar 2016/17 Arabian Gulf League campaign, proving integral to Al Jazira as the capital club sealed the championship for only a second time. A tenacious and disciplined central midfielder.
Khalfan Mubarak (22) One of the most exciting players in the UAE, the Al Jazira playmaker has been likened in style to Omar Abdulrahman. Has minimal international experience already, but there should be much more to come.
Jassim Yaqoub (20) Another incredibly exciting prospect, the Al Nasr winger is becoming a regular contributor at club level. Pacey, direct and with an eye for goal, he would provide the team’s attack an extra dimension.
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
The figures behind the event
1) More than 300 in-house cleaning crew
2) 165 staff assigned to sanitise public areas throughout the show
3) 1,000 social distancing stickers
4) 809 hand sanitiser dispensers placed throughout the venue
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Gifts exchanged
- King Charles - replica of President Eisenhower Sword
- Queen Camilla - Tiffany & Co vintage 18-carat gold, diamond and ruby flower brooch
- Donald Trump - hand-bound leather book with Declaration of Independence
- Melania Trump - personalised Anya Hindmarch handbag
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
