WSJ Opinion: Potomac Watch Syria’s President at the White House / Russia Advances on Pokrovsk
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Nov 12, 2025 Elliot Kaufman, a member of The Wall Street Journal editorial board focused on Middle East policy, joins Jillian K. Melcher, a reporter on the Ukraine war, to discuss significant geopolitical shifts. They analyze President Ahmed al-Sharaa's historic visit to Washington and how Trump may reframe U.S.-Syrian relations. Melcher shares insights on Russia's tactical advances in eastern Ukraine and Ukraine's strategies to counter these incursions, revealing the complex dynamics of ongoing peace negotiations and military tactics.
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Syria's Geopolitical Reorientation
- Elliot Kaufman argues Syria's White House visit signals a potential shift of Syria into the American orbit after decades of anti-West alignment.
- He views the meeting as historically significant beyond the leader's past affiliations and a pragmatic opening for U.S. influence.
Limited Commitments, Big Regional Stakes
- Elliot highlights Syria's political commitment to counter ISIS as meaningful but not yet a full military pledge.
- He says resolving southern Syria ties to Israel and managing the Druze region are key to regional stability.
Use Sanctions As Conditional Leverage
- Elliot recommends using sanctions as leverage and removing them gradually with benchmarks for Syrian behavior.
- He urges holding some pressure until Syria proves removal of foreign jihadist commanders and protections for minorities.