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A newly surfaced photograph reveals U.S. special envoy Tom Barrack delivered a handwritten letter from President Donald Trump to Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa during Envoy's Monday visit to Damascus, with the American president expressing confidence in Syria's new leadership and promising Washington's assistance.
The brief personal message read: "Ahmed, you will be a great leader and the United States will help you."
The disclosure of the handwritten note came as Trump issued a public appeal Monday urging Israel to maintain constructive relations with Damascus, warning that actions disrupting Syria's transition could undermine efforts to build stability in the country emerging from more than a decade of conflict.
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On the same day, writing on Truth Social, U.S. President emphasized the importance of Israel maintaining dialogue with Syria's government, stating that preventing interference with "Syria's development into a prosperous state" was a priority for Washington's regional strategy.
Trump characterized the administration as highly satisfied with Syria's progress in recent months, attributing advances to what he described as hard work and determination by al-Sharaa's government. The president stressed that U.S. officials were working to ensure Damascus continued efforts necessary for establishing a functioning and economically viable state.
The American leader credited his decision to lift certain sanctions as a significant factor in Syria's political evolution, suggesting the move had been welcomed by Syrian leadership and citizens. Trump wrote that sanctions relief was among the measures that "helped Syria greatly," adding that he believed the gesture had been genuinely appreciated.
Syria faces massive reconstruction requirements following a 14-year conflict that devastated infrastructure and displaced millions. The World Bank has estimated rebuilding costs at more than $216 billion, presenting a formidable challenge for al-Sharaa's administration as it seeks international investment and development assistance.
Last month, al-Sharaa conducted an official visit to the United States, marking a dramatic shift in bilateral relations. The trip occurred one day after Washington removed the Syrian president from its terrorism lists, signaling the administration's willingness to engage with Damascus under new leadership.
The diplomatic outreach represents a sharp departure from the isolation Syria experienced under Bashar al-Assad's rule, which ended late last year when the longtime authoritarian leader fled to Russia. Al-Sharaa's government has sought expanded cooperation with regional and international partners as it attempts to consolidate authority and address humanitarian and economic crises.
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