Trump praises Al Sharaa, presses Syria leader on Israel ties after lifting sanctions

US President Donald Trump asked Syria’s new leader on Wednesday to normalise relations with Israel after he offered a major boost to the war-ravaged country by announcing the lifting of sanctions. While aboard Air Force One en route to Qatar, Trump poured praise on Sharaa, saying the meeting went “great”. He is a “young, attractive guy. Tough guy. Strong past. Very strong past. Fighter,” he told reporters.