From Nixon to Clinton: Syrian-American Summits Since 1945

Syria stands at a crossroads today following the historic meeting between Presidents Donald Trump and Ahmed al-Sharaa, held in Saudi Arabia on 14 May 2025. It’s the first such summit in a quarter-century and the seventh in line since bilateral relations were formally established back in 1944. At every one of the six previous summits, pivotal issues were placed on the negotiating table, often leading to radical shifts in Syrian foreign policy. Today is no exception, with increasing talk of Syria joining the Abraham Accords and media reports suggesting its readiness to re-settle 500,000 Palestinians from Gaza, as part of…