**Shifting Diplomatic Tides: Trump's Unexpected Engagement with Syria's Ahmed al-Sharaa**

The recent meeting between President Trump and Syrian interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy towards Syria, reinvigorating hope for many Syrians amidst prolonged hardship.

In a surprising diplomatic turn, President Donald Trump’s administration is now considering the normalisation of relations with Syria following his meeting with interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh. This encounter, viewed as unimaginable just months prior, reflects a significant evolution in U.S.-Syria relations after decades of dictatorship under Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

The brief but impactful 37-minute meeting, which took place on Wednesday, was attended by prominent leaders including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan—who joined via phone. Trump expressed optimism, stating, "I think he has got the potential," referencing al-Sharaa’s leadership. Notably, the U.S. had only lifted the $10 million bounty on al-Sharaa's head just last December, following his fall from association with al-Qaeda’s affiliate in Syria.

During a U.S.-Saudi investment forum, Trump announced the suspension of U.S. sanctions against Syria, a decision met with applause—a stark contrast to his previous declarations on social media of U.S. indifference towards the country. Following the lifting of sanctions, many Syrians hope for revitalization in their war-torn nation, where approximately 90% of the population is living in poverty after years of civil strife.

The implications are profound: sanctions relief may pave the way for humanitarian relief efforts and stimulate foreign investment. Hind Kabawat, Syria's minister of social affairs and labour, heralded the decision as a "new light at the end of this tunnel," indicating a belief that improvement is on the horizon. Moreover, this shift could encourage the millions of Syrians currently in exile to contemplate a return home.

However, lifting the tangled web of sanctions will require concerted effort. Experts like Dina Esfandiary from Bloomberg Economics warn that while some sanctions can be eased through presidential waivers, a full dismantling of the complex restrictions will demand significant dedication from the Trump administration.

Regional leaders now rally behind al-Sharaa, positioning themselves to shape Syria’s rebuilding. However, normalization isn't unconditional; Trump has made it clear that he expects al-Sharaa to engage with the Abraham Accords, a normalization process that includes Israel—a pressing point in contemporary Middle Eastern diplomacy.

Al-Sharaa has expressed a readiness to normalize ties with Israel under favorable conditions, although skepticism remains high amid ongoing Israeli military actions in Syria, especially concerning the presence of foreign fighters within the Syrian ranks.

As Trump heralds this moment as "a chance at greatness," the real test will be whether these diplomatic overtures can translate into tangible improvements in the lives of the Syrian populace, who have endured relentless hardship for over a decade.