Trump says Al Shara an ‘attractive, tough guy with a real shot at holding Syria together’

US President Donald Trump described Syria’s leader Ahmad Al Shara as a “real leader” after their first meeting in Riyadh. On board Air Force One, Mr Trump told reporters Mr Al Shara was a “young, attractive guy. Tough guy. Strong past. Very strong past. Fighter.” Under the nom de guerre Abu Mohammed Al Golani, Mr Al Shara was associated with Al Qaeda and joined insurgents battling US forces in Iraq before entering the Syrian war. He was even imprisoned by US troops there for several years.