TRUMP SHAKES HAND OF FORMER TERRORIST – WHAT THIS MEANS FOR ISRAEL AND THE REGION?

Trump’s Handshake with a Former Militant: New Syria or Calculated Gamble?

In May 2025, the Middle East saw a major shift. U.S. President Donald Trump visited Riyadh and met with Syria’s new interim leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa. Al-Sharaa is better known by his former name, Abu Mohammed al-Golani, when he was a leader in al-Qaeda. During the visit, Trump announced the end of U.S. sanctions on Syria, a decision that surprised many and sparked global debate.

Al-Sharaa led the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which toppled Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. He now presents himself as a national leader focused on rebuilding Syria. His proposals include allowing U.S. companies to manage Syrian oil fields and even a plan to build a Trump Tower in Damascus. Critics question whether his transformation is real or just political strategy.

Al-Sharaa’s past is well known. He fought U.S. forces in Iraq, spent time in U.S. custody, and later led Jabhat al-Nusra, a group tied to al-Qaeda. In 2016 he distanced himself from al-Qaeda and shifted his focus to governance in Syria. After taking power in January 2025, the U.S. removed a ten million dollar bounty on his head.

The Riyadh meeting was arranged by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The sanctions had been in place since 1979 and had deeply hurt Syria’s economy. Their removal gives al-Sharaa’s administration a chance to recover. He has promised to fight terrorism, manage ISIS detainees, and reduce Iran’s influence, aligning with key U.S. goals.

Still, concerns remain. Al-Sharaa has not fully addressed his extremist past. Some see the quick rebranding and adoption of his birth name as coordinated media strategy. Israeli leaders warn that he could use his new position to push old agendas. Reports of recent violence against Alawite minorities raise more questions about whether his coalition is stable or hiding deeper tensions.

A Saudi-Led Summit and the Push for a Unified Region

Trump’s visit also included the Gulf Cooperation Council summit in Riyadh. The event served as a platform for Gulf states to push for economic cooperation and political alignment. Saudi Arabia pledged six hundred billion dollars in U.S. investments. Trump’s speech highlighted regional unity and the potential for a new Middle East framework.

This summit follows the model of the Abraham Accords, with hopes of expanding it to include Syria. Al-Sharaa has signaled openness to engage with Israel, possibly through United Arab Emirates mediation. Talks have included proposals for a demilitarized zone near the Golan Heights. However, ongoing conflict in Gaza and Israel’s distrust of Syria’s new leadership make such efforts uncertain.

There were many side meetings involving leaders from Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain. Some leaders praised the summit’s efforts to counter Iran’s influence and promote long-term economic growth. But Trump’s personal business ties in the region raised ethical concerns. Critics pointed to his previous hotel deals in Saudi Arabia and the optics of blending diplomacy with private interests.

Trump’s Call for a New Iran Deal Faces Resistance

During the summit, Trump also revived his vision for a new nuclear deal with Iran. He said any agreement would require Iran to stop supporting terrorism and end its nuclear ambitions. Oman reported progress in talks, while Bahrain offered public support. Iran’s response was dismissive. Its foreign minister called Trump’s message deceptive and confirmed that talks with Europe would continue separately.

Israel remains strongly opposed. Prime Minister Netanyahu argued that easing sanctions on Syria could strengthen hostile forces. He compared the situation to past mistakes, including Hamas’s October 2023 attacks. In Gaza, Israeli forces continue operations targeting Hamas leaders. Trump believes a new deal with Iran could also help remove Hezbollah from Lebanon after the 2024 war. But ongoing regional violence continues to challenge his broader vision.

Analysts agree that the summit marks a shift in regional strategy. However, they caution that unresolved tensions, including Syria’s leadership and Iran’s nuclear stance, could block real progress.

The Edan Alexander Story and a Divided Israeli Public

In a separate and emotional moment, Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander was released after 584 days in Hamas captivity. His return was a source of relief and national attention. But it quickly became political when right-wing commentator Yinon Magal criticized Edan and his mother, Yael, for not publicly thanking Prime Minister Netanyahu.

Yael Alexander’s speech expressed gratitude but did not mention Netanyahu. Magal called her words offensive and even questioned Edan’s experience. His remarks, made on Channel 14, were widely condemned. Critics said it showed how deeply polarized Israel’s political climate has become, even during moments that should unite the public.

The hostage crisis is far from over. Dozens remain in Gaza. The criticism faced by the Alexanders reflects a country still struggling to balance personal trauma with political division.

A Moment to Reflect

The developments in Riyadh show the complex mix of diplomacy, personal stories, and unresolved conflict that defines the Middle East today. Trump’s decisions could reshape the region. Or they could backfire. The story of Edan Alexander reminds us that even moments of hope can be overshadowed by division.

For many, this is a time to step back from the headlines and focus on what truly matters. Faith, family, and personal growth remain constants even when world events seem overwhelming. This perspective is what many will carry forward, regardless of how the politics play out.

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