DAMASCUS — The U.S. is plunging deeper into a geopolitical and sectarian maelstrom in Syria under the leadership of a president who six years ago tried to pull America out of the country, as part of Washington’s effort to reshape the Middle East .

President Donald Trump met with Syria’s interim president, Ahmad ash-Sharaa , behind closed doors in the White House on Monday. The historic meeting between a former Al Qaeda militant and America’s chief executive was aimed at resetting relations between the United States and a long-time adversary.

“We want to see Syria become a country that’s very successful, and I think this leader can do it,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office after the meeting . “I really do. I think this leader can do it. And people said he’s had a rough pas

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