Trump Visits Qatar as Mideast Diplomatic Blitz Continues/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump arrived in Qatar Wednesday following a landmark meeting with Syria’s new leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, in Saudi Arabia. Trump pledged to lift U.S. sanctions on Syria, hailing the rebel-turned-president as a “real leader.” In Doha, Trump received a lavish welcome from Emir Sheikh Tamim Al Thani and continued pushing for a new regional order.
Trump’s Middle East Tour Quick Looks
- Trump lands in Qatar after Syria breakthrough in Saudi Arabia
- Syrian interim leader al-Sharaa praised by Trump as “pretty amazing”
- U.S. sanctions on Syria to be lifted following meeting
- Gulf leaders back Trump’s strategy; Erdogan joins by phone
- Qatari jets escort Air Force One into Doha
- Emir of Qatar hails Trump as a “man of peace”
- Gaza war, Iran talks, and Syria diplomacy dominate agenda
- Trump avoids firm commitment on ceasefire talks with Putin
- Humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens amid Israeli blockade
- Macron slams Israel’s actions in Gaza as “a disgrace”
Deep Look: Trump Arrives in Qatar After Pivotal Syria Talks, Escalates Regional Strategy
DOHA, Qatar — President Donald Trump arrived in Qatar on Wednesday to a regal welcome that included a camel escort, marble palace reception, and a warm embrace from Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, marking the second leg of his ambitious Middle East tour following a groundbreaking encounter with Syria’s new president.
Fresh from a historic meeting with Syrian interim leader Ahmad al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia — the first U.S.–Syria leader-level engagement in 25 years — Trump hailed the possibility of “a new chapter” for Syria, vowing to lift longstanding U.S. sanctions imposed during the Assad era.
A Lavish Arrival in Doha
Air Force One, escorted into Doha airspace by Qatari F-15 fighter jets, landed just hours after Trump wrapped up talks with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) leaders in Riyadh. At the Amiri Diwan, Trump was greeted by Sheikh Tamim and a full ceremonial honor guard — including camel-mounted riders and a red-carpet lineup of Qatari and American officials.
Notably, the emir gave a warmer greeting to Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, than to other U.S. officials, signaling the envoy’s critical role in ongoing regional negotiations.
As Trump admired the palace’s architectural elegance, he told the emir: “As a construction person, I’m seeing perfect marble… it’s perfecto.”
Syria: From Enemy to Ally?
Trump’s engagement with Ahmad al-Sharaa — the former jihadist-turned-president of Syria — marked a dramatic shift in U.S. policy. Once known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, al-Sharaa had deep al-Qaida ties and was imprisoned by U.S. forces during the Iraq War. His forces led a decisive campaign to topple Bashar Assad in December.
Trump described him as a “tough guy” and a “real leader,” saying al-Sharaa had a “real shot at holding it together.”
During their 33-minute closed-door meeting, also attended by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and joined remotely by Turkish President Erdogan, Trump said he urged al-Sharaa to:
- Recognize Israel and join the Abraham Accords
- Expel foreign terrorist fighters from Syrian territory
- Take control of ISIS detention centers in northeastern Syria
The White House confirmed Trump pledged to lift economic sanctions to help Syria reintegrate into global financial systems. The move sparked mass celebrations in Damascus, where Syrians flooded Umayyad Square, honking horns and waving flags as fireworks lit the sky.
Fallout and Reactions
Iran quickly denounced Trump’s Syria pivot. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused Trump of “deceit” and hypocrisy, warning that lifting sanctions on Syria could destabilize Iran’s influence in the region.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had privately asked Trump not to remove sanctions, voiced concern that Syria under al-Sharaa could become a launchpad for cross-border attacks. An Israeli official told reporters the move strained U.S.–Israel coordination, already frayed by differing strategies on Iran and Hamas.
Qatar’s Role in the Region
Qatar, long viewed as a regional power broker, has emerged as a critical mediator in the Israel-Hamas conflict, U.S.-Taliban talks, and now the Syrian transition.
During their sit-down, Sheikh Tamim praised Trump’s diplomatic efforts, saying, “I know that you are a man of peace. I know that you want to bring peace to this region.”
The oil-rich state — home to Al-Udeid Air Base, the forward headquarters of U.S. Central Command — has faced scrutiny over alleged influence-buying schemes:
- “Qatar-gate” corruption scandal involving EU lawmakers
- Alleged bribes to FIFA to host the 2022 World Cup
- U.S. defense contractor RTX Corp. paid $950 million in penalties for fraud tied to Qatar contracts
Nonetheless, Qatar’s central role in ceasefire efforts, regional diplomacy, and strategic hosting of U.S. military assets makes it an indispensable partner.
The Air Force One Controversy
As Trump toured Qatar, questions swirled about a Boeing 747-8 luxury aircraft the emirate may gift the U.S. as an interim Air Force One replacement. Critics warned it would amount to an unethical foreign gift to the president.
Trump defended the proposal, saying he would refurbish the plane and donate it to his presidential library. “I won’t keep it,” he said. “It’s a symbol of what we can do.”
Gaza, Ukraine, and Regional Flashpoints
Back in Riyadh, Trump had laid out his broader vision for regional peace:
- Urged Iran to abandon nuclear ambitions and cut ties with Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis
- Condemned Hamas’ atrocities, calling them “terrorists who delight in murdering innocent people”
- Said the future of Gaza must be free from Hamas’ rule
- Criticized President Biden’s Middle East policies as “havoc and bedlam”
- Acknowledged Israeli civilian casualties while urging restraint in Gaza
Trump also confirmed that he may not personally attend ceasefire talks in Turkey, delegating Secretary of State Marco Rubio in his place.
Asked if Putin was “leading him on,” Trump replied: “I’ll let you know in a few days.”
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