Global politics took an unexpected turn tonight as the White House opened its doors to Syria’s newly inaugurated president — marking the first official visit by a Syrian head of state in modern history. The moment, unthinkable just years ago when Syria was still on the U.S. terror list, signals a rapid recalibration of Washington’s foreign policy priorities.
The meeting comes amid rising tensions across Asia and the Middle East. In New Delhi, a deadly explosion has rocked the Indian capital, raising fresh security concerns. Thailand has frozen its long-awaited peace agreement following a deadly landmine blast near the border, while Japan and China exchanged sharp diplomatic warnings over Taiwan, threatening to escalate regional instability.
Against this turbulent backdrop, President Davis’s decision to welcome Syria’s new leader to the Oval Office represents a daring gamble — one that could either redefine U.S. influence in the Middle East or spark fierce backlash at home and abroad.
World in Focus investigates the forces driving this extraordinary diplomatic shift — and asks: What changed to move Syria from the terror list to the White House?
