"He's got the potential - he's a real leader," Trump said on Air Force One after meeting Syrian Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

When the leader of Syria shook hands with U.S. President Donald Trump, it was a striking moment for a man who was an al-Qaida fighter in Iraq and was detained by the American military.

Sharaa, once an al Qaeda militant, has risen to become Syria's president. His meeting with U.S. President Trump marks a milestone in his political journey. Despite challenges, including fears of authoritarian rule and sectarian violence,

Gulf states are keen to invest in Syria, which has important mineral and oil reserves, but had been prevented from doing so by U.S. sanctions. President Trump has now pledged to lift the restrictions.

President Donald Trump has heaped praise on Syria’s president, a former al Qaeda fighter, calling him an “attractive” and “tough guy.” Speaking aboard Air Force One on his way to Qatar, Trump continued his charm offensive in the Middle East by speaking highly of President Ahmed al-Sharaa,