From Terror List to Trump's List: The Syrian Charm Offensive
Mainstream media is clutching its pearls over Al-Sharaa's improbable journey from US-detained Al-Qaeda fighter to the first Syrian president hosted in the White House since 1946. AP breathlessly reports his 'charm offensive' following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, culminating in a meeting with Trump and the lifting of sanctions. One might wonder if the 'unlikely rise' isn't just standard
operating procedure for US foreign policy, which routinely elevates those who serve immediate strategic interests, regardless of past affiliations. After all, the US armed figures like Osama bin Laden against the Soviets in Afghanistan, only to battle them later. The current narrative conveniently ignores the cyclical nature of these alliances. While Al-Sharaa is now 'cutting ties with Al-Qaeda'
and joining the 'US-led coalition against the Islamic State group,' one might ask what new 'threat' will necessitate another convenient re-alignment after this one. Today's pariah is tomorrow's indispensable ally, especially when oil, arms, or regional power play is involved. The only constant seems to be the American public's short memory.