May 14, Kathmandu- Donald Trump announced that the U.S. is exploring normalizing relations with Syria after a brief but historic meeting in Riyadh with Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, once a rebel leader with alleged al-Qaeda ties. The $10 million bounty on al-Sharaa was lifted just months ago.

Encouraged by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud and Turkish President Erdogan, Trump also pledged to ease U.S. sanctions, marking a dramatic shift from his earlier stance. The move earned a standing ovation at a U.S.-Saudi forum.