As President Donald Trump prepares for his scheduled May visit to Saudi Arabia, speculation mounts regarding a potential meeting with Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa. This interaction could significantly impact the precarious relationship between the two nations, currently marred by ideological disparities, sanctions, and fluctuating tariffs.
Despite the potential for cooperation, the U.S. has seemingly been hesitant to engage deeply with al-Sharaa’s new government in Damascus, thereby risking a strategic opportunity in the Middle East. Consequently, continued neglect could handcuff American influence, enabling China and Russia to increase their foothold in the region while solidifying Iranian interests.
A group of bipartisan lawmakers in Washington has highlighted the pressing need for the U.S. to engage with the Syrian government. Republican Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Jim Risch has explicitly cautioned that a lack of American involvement might grant Russia and Iran the chance to re-establish substantial control over Syria. Concurrently, Democratic Senator Jacky Rosen emphasized that it is crucial to prevent nations like China and Russia from gaining the upper hand in the area.
China’s ambitions in the Middle East have raised alarms in Washington. Analysts Jonathan Fulton and Michael Schuman from the Atlantic Council refer to President Xi Jinping’s initiatives as a transformative campaign, aiming to reshape global order by challenging American dominance. Allowing China to firmly anchor itself in Syria would represent a grave oversight by the U.S. government.
Moreover, Russia’s ongoing military presence and its historical support for the Assad regime pose an immediate threat to regional stability. While al-Sharaa leads a new government, the entrenched Russian interests in Syria remain a point of contention. Moscow, keen on preserving its influence, would likely continue its supportive stance towards the new administration, further compounding U.S. concerns as Iranian ties with Russia strengthen.
Recent U.S. policies have sent discouraging signals to Damascus, with persistent sanctions and a previously imposed 41 percent tariff providing little encouragement for bilateral economic relations. This approach reflects a lack of strategic foresight, particularly as the Syrian state begins to recover from a decade marked by civil war and systemic mismanagement.
Investing in Syria’s future provides the U.S. an opportunity to cultivate a reliable regional partner, appreciative of American support rather than beholden to Chinese and Russian patronage. Such a shift would enable the United States to bolster regional security and minimize Iranian influence—objectives that should be prioritized.
By reconsidering its current stance on sanctions and tariffs, Washington could present a viable alternative to Syria, one that facilitates private investments and economic rehabilitation. Engaging with the new Syrian government could fully transition the balance of regional influence towards American interests.
The dissolution of the Iranian Axis of Resistance has positioned Syria at a strategic juncture. In December 2024, the downfall of the Assad regime resulted in Iran’s immediate loss of a crucial ally. Subsequently, Iranian activities across the region have been curtailed, notably involving the diminished threat posed by proxies like Hamas and Hezbollah amid Israel’s military assertiveness.
While the evolving security landscape is temporarily favorable for the U.S. and its allies, this state of affairs is poised to change if proactive measures are not implemented. Washington’s actions will critically influence the resilience of the Iranian Axis of Resistance. Supporting Syrian efforts to dismantle Iranian proxy networks within its territories is imperative for maintaining this newly favorable security environment.
President al-Sharaa has openly recognized the destabilizing influence of Iranian proxies, suggesting a willingness to collaborate with the U.S. on key security issues. A focal point for American-Syrian cooperation could be the Syrian-Lebanese border, notorious for the smuggling networks operated by cartels aligned with Iran and Hezbollah.
For decades, these illicit channels nourished and fortified Iranian regional proxies, facilitating various nefarious activities including the drug trade involving stimulants like Captagon and trafficking in arms and individuals. With U.S. logistical and military support, Syrian and Lebanese security forces could effectively disrupt these operations, undermining Iran’s regional influence.
However, the potential for U.S.-Syrian collaboration transcends border security alone. An enduring American military presence in Syria can pave the way for an expansive security partnership aimed at thwarting Iranian proxy activities within Syrian territory and beyond.
Failing to engage now may result in a resurgence of destabilizing Iranian influence. The continued flow of Captagon could perpetuate funding to violent organizations, while weaponry could resurface, enabling groups like Hezbollah to regain strength in Lebanon and influence in Syria.
If unchecked, these scenarios could destabilize Syria, potentially testing the new government’s resilience and risking a return to chaos. Such turmoil would inevitably compel the U.S. to re-engage, contradicting its long-term interests.
Thus, U.S. policymakers face a crucial decision point. Engaging Damascus now, while Iran’s influence is at a low ebb, stands as the most prudent course of action. Strategic support for the new Syrian government might ensure Washington remains an influential player in a rapidly evolving regional landscape.
The opportunity to reshape the U.S.-Syrian relationship represents a crucial juncture in the broader contest for influence in the Middle East. To sidestep potential pitfalls, Washington must act decisively and strategically in the upcoming months.
The stakes are high, as the choice between proactive engagement or continued disengagement could fundamentally alter the balance of power in the region for years to come.
image source from：https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/menasource/why-the-us-must-not-let-syria-slip-away/
