Ahmad al-Sharaa, the interim president of Syria, made a significant visit to the United States, where he is scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump. This visit comes on the heels of the US lifting sanctions against al-Sharaa, a move that coincided with the United Nations Security Council's similar actions. Al-Sharaa, who previously led the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham militant group, is now attempting to establish a moderate leadership in Syria after the ousting of Bashar Assad. His agenda includes discussions on joining the US-led coalition against the Islamic State and seeking financial support for Syria's reconstruction, which the World Bank estimates will cost around $216 billion. Despite these diplomatic advances, Syria continues to face challenges, including sectarian violence and targeted killings, as it navigates the aftermath of a prolonged civil war.