JERUSALEM, Israel – For the first time, a Syrian head of state will visit the White House. Monday's visit by President Ahmad al-Sharra marks a major turnaround in U.S.-Syria relations.

Before his visit, the U.S. military released this video of al-Sharaa playing basketball with CENTCOM Commander Brad Cooper. This image of al-Sharaa contrasts with his past as an Al Qaeda commander with a $10 million U.S. bounty on his head for killing U.S. and allied troops.

Despite his past, the White House hopes al-Sharaa can play a key role in President Trump's vision of Middle East peace.

Just before the visit, 100 faith leaders signed a letter hoping the president could use his meeting with al-Sharaa to protect Christians and Druze in southern Syria.

Religious freedom advocate Matthew Faracci is one

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