New Delhi, May 13 -- US President Donald Trump, in a major foreign policy shift, announced on Tuesday (May 13) that he intends to normalize relations with Syria and lift longstanding US sanctions, signaling support for the country's new leadership. The move marks a dramatic turnaround in US policy following the ousting of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

"There is a new government that will hopefully succeed," Trump said of Syria, adding, "I say good luck, Syria. Show us something special."

Trump is scheduled to meet al-Sharaa on Wednesday in Saudi Arabia, marking the first face-to-face between a US president and a Syrian leader in over a decade. The meeting is part of a broader regional engagement during Trump's Middle East vis...