The man standing next to President Trump once fought against U.S. forces in Iraq, was captured, and spent five years in a prison for terrorists, where he became radicalized. After his release, he founded the Syrian branch of the terrorist group al-Qaeda. The U.S. offered a $10 million reward for his capture — one of the highest bounties at the time. He went on to lead the offensive that overthrew former Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad and took power in Damascus. He has declared himself anti-Iran and pro-Israel.

He was received yesterday at the White House, officially recognized as the new president of Syria.

“A great man. A strong leader!” — Trump