Ret. Gen. David H. Petraeus discusses counterterrorism with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa

Retired General David H. Petraeus, the former Commander of CENTCOM and Director of the CIA, engaged in a discussion about counterterrorism operations with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa during the Annual Summit in New York City on September 22, 2025.

President al-Sharaa, who was captured by U.S. forces in Iraq in 2006 while he was an active member of Al-Qaeda, was imprisoned from 2006 to 2011. The conversation between Petraeus and al-Sharaa marks a significant moment given their historical connection.

In related developments, al-Sharaa was seen shaking hands with U.S. Senator Marco Rubio in New York City, highlighting the ongoing diplomatic engagements involving the Syrian leader. For more on this, see our previous reports.

The discussion at the summit reflects ongoing efforts to address counterterrorism strategies in the region, although further details of their conversation have not been disclosed.