Deadly Attack on U.S. Troops Poses Growing Challenge for Syria’s Leader NYT | Top Stories Abdi Latif Dahir and Eric Schmitt 15 December 2025 at 03:00 The attack further complicates President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s efforts to unify the country and rebuild relationships with the international community, analysts say. © Daniel Berehulak/The New York TimesPresident Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria in Damascus, the capital, in April.