Consider This from NPR

Episode: Over tea, a deal with Damascus and a possible turning point for Middle East diplomacy
Release Date: May 18, 2025
Host: Scott Detrow
Co-Host: Tanya Moseley

Introduction: U.S. Presidential International Visits

In this episode, Scott Detrow and Tanya Moseley delve into President Donald Trump's pivotal visit to the Middle East, marking a significant shift in U.S. diplomacy in the region. Breaking with a 50-year tradition where U.S. presidents typically initiate their first international trips to Canada, Mexico, or the United Kingdom, Trump chose Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, setting the stage for high-stakes negotiations and strategic alliances.

Trump's Middle East Diplomacy: Deals and Sanctions

Timestamp: [00:23]
Scott Detrow outlines the breadth of Trump's diplomatic engagements during his trip:

• Saudi Arabia agreed to invest a staggering $600 billion in the United States.
• Qatar placed a substantial order for Boeing passenger jets.
• UAE committed to a $200 billion deal with the U.S.

While these figures highlight ambitious business ventures, the specifics remain somewhat unclear. However, the most groundbreaking development emerged from Trump’s unexpected diplomatic maneuver regarding Syria.

Timestamp: [02:40]
Trump announced his intention to lift sanctions on Syria, a move that had been pending for over two decades. "The US will lift sanctions on Syria following the fall of the Assad regime late last year," Trump declared, receiving a standing ovation and sparking celebrations in Damascus. Despite this optimistic portrayal, the final decision rests with Congress.

Historic Meeting Over Tea: U.S. and Syrian Leaders Engage

Timestamp: [04:02]
For the first time in 25 years, U.S. and Syrian leaders met in Damascus:

• Interim Syrian President Ahmed Al Shara and President Donald Trump discussed lifting sanctions and the potential normalization of relations with Israel.
• Trump emphasized three main objectives: the removal of foreign terrorists from Syria, combating ISIS resurgence, and diplomatic recognition of Israel.

Timestamp: [04:38]
Tanya Moseley highlights the significance of this meeting:
"President Ahmed Al Shara is a man who once had a $10 million bounty on his head... shaking his hand is just remarkable."

Implications for Syria

Timestamp: [05:10]
The potential lifting of sanctions could be transformative for Syria, enabling reconstruction and economic recovery. Tanya describes the dire conditions in Damascus post-Assad, noting crumbling infrastructure and economic hardships. Al Shara now faces the challenge of stabilizing Syria and fostering regional peace.

Israeli Response and Regional Reactions

Timestamp: [06:06]
In Israel, the response to Trump's announcements was mixed:

• Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly urged Trump against lifting sanctions.
• Despite ongoing military actions in Syria, including the seizure and bombing of Syrian territories, Syrian officials expressed a desire for peace and normalization with Israel.

Timestamp: [07:44]
The conversation shifts to the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations. The inclusion of Syria in these accords would be historic, but experts caution that substantial conditions must be met.

Expert Insights: Feasibility and Future Prospects

Timestamp: [08:19]
Abdullah Al Ghadawi, a Syrian analyst, suggests that while the political will exists within Syria, significant challenges remain:

• Economic stabilization is crucial before normalization can proceed.
• Security concerns and regional dynamics must be addressed to facilitate lasting peace.

Timestamp: [10:00]
Thomas Warrick from the Atlantic Council emphasizes that Trump's actions are deeply personal and tied to his legacy. The potential for receiving a Nobel Prize for peacemaking underscores the high stakes involved.

Conclusion: A Possible Turning Point?

The episode concludes by weighing the potential impacts of Trump's diplomatic efforts:

• Normalization with Syria could lead to enhanced regional stability and economic growth.
• The success of these initiatives hinges on Congressional approval and Syria's ability to meet critical conditions.
• The meeting between Trump and Al Shara symbolizes a possible new era in Middle East diplomacy, though skeptics remain cautious about the promises made.

Timestamp: [10:47]
Tanya Moseley reflects on Trump's ambitions:
"He really wants [the Nobel Prize]."

Notable Quotes

• Scott Detrow ([00:00]): "Over the past half century, US Presidents have made their first international visits to one of three countries Canada, Mexico or the United Kingdom."
• Tanya Moseley ([04:38]): "President Ahmed Al Shara is a man who once had a $10 million bounty on his head."
• Thomas Warrick ([10:15]): "All of this was very much on Trump."

Production Credits

• Produced by: Avery Keatley
• Edited by: Carrie Khan and Sarah Robbins
• Executive Producer: Sammy Yenigit

This episode of Consider This provides a comprehensive exploration of a potentially transformative moment in Middle Eastern diplomacy, highlighting the complexities and high aspirations of U.S. foreign policy under President Trump.