President Donald Trump arrived in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday for his first major overseas trip since retaking office, hoping to secure major deals on trade and diplomatic breakthroughs across the Middle East.The president might have an unexpected and willing partner in Syrias new president who could offer him a huge diplomatic win."This is a historic opportunity, and it would be a shame if the U.S. lost it," Natasha Hall, senior fellow with the Middle East Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), told Fox News Digital.President Trump seems open to renewed relations with Syria, including the possibility of lifting crippling sanctions imposed under the previous regime of Bashar al-Assad.ISLAMIST GROUP RUNNING SYRIA HAS MIXED RECORD OVER GOVERNANCE IN PROVINCE, RULED WITH 'IRON FIST'"We may take them off of Syria, because we want to give them a fresh start," President Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Monday.The president added that "we want to see if we can help them out" and that a determination on Syria sanctions will be made at some point."Syria now, for the first time, has a government in power that is not only no longer reliant on Iran to survive but is quite hostile to Iran, and so that would be a big opportunity lost if the U.S. didnt step up," Hall added.Mouaz Moustafa, executive director of the Syrian Emergency Task Force, a non-profit helping to bring democracy to Syria, recently met with Syria's interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Damascus.Moustafa exclusively told Fox News Digital that the two spoke for over three hours about a potential breakthrough in U.S.-Syrian relations, which have been severed since 2011 following the outbreak of the Syrian civil war, which led to the deaths of over 500,000 people.Moustafa and others are pushing for a meeting between al-Sharaa and President Trump during his visit to the Gulf this week. For Syrias new government, this will be their opportunity to persuade the new administration to do business with a country coming out of a devastating 14-year civil war and mend ties with a leader who was once aligned with the Islamic State and al Qaeda."Syrias objectives are quite clear on why they would want to meet President Trump in Saudi Arabia, to make headway on some of these core issues of cooperation and to alleviate any of the concerns the White House may have. And some of the things theyve been trying to do is to show that they can be cooperative on intelligence issues, on business, and talking about companies seeking to do business in Syria," CSIS Hall said.SYRIA'S NEW REGIME HITS HEZBOLLAH TARGETS IN LEBANON OVER CLAIMS ITS FIGHTERS WERE EXECUTEDYet others urge caution. "Right now, Sharaa is not restricting political and civil liberties, but he's an authoritarian by nature." former U.S. Ambassador to Syria Robert Ford told Fox News Digital.Ford, who was the last U.S. ambassador in Damascus, was pulled from the embassy in October 2011 after the Syrian uprising turned violent. Ford led the effort to put al-Sharaa on the terrorist list in 2012 and said, although he is pragmatic, he is leading an extremely weak government."He doesnt control all of Syria yet. The government in Damascus that he leads is not very strong, and it will take time to reassert all of its authority over Syria," Ford said.Ford does not believe al-Sharaa will pursue terrorism as he did in the past, but while there have been some promising developments since taking power, the U.S. must keep its expectations relatively low."Syria is so weak, militarily and economically, with lots of internal political divisions. Therefore, it's not going to be in a position to sign huge arrangements with the U.S.," Ford cautioned.A senior official in the Syrian Foreign Ministry told Fox News Digital that President al-Sharaa emphasizes "that the new Free Syria seeks to establish a strong strategic relationship with the United States, one grounded in mutual interests and shared partnership."The senior official added that "Damascus sees U.S. President Donald Trump as the leader most capable of achieving peace in the Middle East," noting that Syria hopes to become an active and influential ally to Washington on regional issues.Moustafa also met with members of the National Security Council and conveyed the Syrian president's desire for a new partnership.The National Security Council did not immediately respond to a Fox News Digital request for comment.The new Syrian leader has already shown a willingness to cooperate on some key issues important to the U.S. The new Syrian government has cooperated with U.S. intelligence agencies and foiled several ISIS plots to attack Damascus. Syrian intelligence services also arrested ISIS commander Abu al-Harith al-Iraqi in February.TRUMP TARGETS MASSIVE INVESTMENTS IN FIRST MIDDLE EAST TRIPMoustafa also said that al-Sharaa was worried about the massive buildup of Iranian-backed militias along the Iraqi side of the Syrian border. This is a worry for the U.S. as well as the Trump administration, he said, as it has been looking to reengage with Iran to curb its nuclear program.In al-Sharaas eyes, the deal of the century would bring peace to Syria and its neighbors, including Israel. Moustafa added the deal would keep China, Russia and Iran out and allow U.S. troops to go home in the right way.Yet critics warn a potential deal with the United States is not without its obstacles.Al-Sharaa led the Islamist rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) to victory over the Assad dictatorship in December. He had a $10 million bounty for his capture that was lifted in February amidst the administrations efforts to talk to the new Syrian government.CHRISTIAN WATCH GROUP RISES UP TO PROTECT COMMUNITY AMID GROWING VIOLENCE IN SYRIAHTS is still a designated foreign terrorist organization, which complicates doing business in Syria."The question at hand is whether to believe that a change in behavior, following the fall of the regime, translates into a more permanent change in character, ideology, and governance," Caroline Rose, director of The New Lines Institute, told Fox News Digital.Rose, who recently traveled to Syria, noted that while HTS has been incrementally breaking away from affiliations with terrorist organizations and has adopted some moderate elements over time, there are still doubts that this will "stick," particularly with recent sectarian tensions."Skeptics of lifting restrictions on Syria immediately fear that any move could be too premature and could risk the U.S. credibility among its regional counterparts," Rose added.Since becoming president, al-Sharaa has formed a transitional government composed of close allies from the HTS rebel group and a mix of technocrats, former opposition leaders, civil society activists and even some former members of the Assad government.The temporary constitution signed by al-Sharaa in March guarantees basic freedoms such as freedoms of opinion, expression and the press. It also protects womens rights and promises equal rights for all Syrians regardless of ethnicity, religious sect or gender, yet it still leaves the country under Islamist rule during the transitional process.There remain some concerns over the power concentrated in the hands of the president. The president can unilaterally declare a state of emergency and suspend basic rights if national security is threatened.The vast powers granted to the executive in the new constitution is a reminder for many Syrians of the authoritarian past many suffered at the hands of the Assad regime for over 50 years.Although there is a new sense of optimism within Syrian society about its future, civil peace and security remain elusive.Deadly sectarian clashes in March launched by remnants of the former Assad regime in Syrias coastal region led to the deaths of 200 members of the security forces. Forces allied with the government and armed civilians responded with brute force. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that these groups were responsible for the deaths of at least 396 people.Tensions have also escalated with Syrias Druze population as well, highlighting the delicate balance of Syrias complex ethnic divides and the new authoritys ability to control various armed factions.The Associated Press contributed to this report.

The Dallas Mavericks had a 1.8% chance of winning the NBA Draft Lottery going into the ordeal on Monday; they defied the odds and ended the day with the No. 1 overall pick.The prize for any team was going to be former Duke Blue Devils star Cooper Flagg. He is considered one of the best young basketball players since before he even entered the collegiate ranks.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMFor the Mavericks, luck was on their side. Dallas made the shocking move to trade Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in February for Anthony Davis. The team still made the play-in tournament and competed to be one of the eight teams to challenge for the NBA title.The NBA world was left dumbfounded that the Mavericks were able to get the top pick. Basketball fans spoke of "conspiracy" while LeBron James and Kevin Love added their own reactions to the fray.Mavericks CEO Rick Welts was in charge of the draft lottery when the New York Knicks received the No. 1 pick in 1985 in what theories suggested was "rigged." He said he spent four years debunking those theories and will likely need to debunk the 2025 lottery as well.A HISTORY OF NBA DRAFT LOTTERY LEAPS: WHERE DO THE MAVERICKS RANK ALL-TIME?"I'm the only person who was in this room and the room 40 years ago," Welts said, via The Washington Post. "I was in charge of the NBA draft lottery 40 years ago when Patrick Ewing won. I've been doing conspiracy theory stories ever since. This is very surreal, personally."However, Welts was excited about the opportunity to select Flagg.The San Antonio Spurs received the No. 2 pick, the Philadelphia 76ers will pick third and the Charlotte Hornets will have the fourth pick.After Flagg, the two top prospects were considered to be freshmen from the Rutgers Scarlet Knights Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper.The Associated Press contributed to this report.Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

1. Trump begins Middle East tour meant to reboot global power plays2. Rural America in crosshairs of brutal new gang3. ICE agitators find out the law hits backTIT-FOR-TAT Another country considering tariffs on US goods to counter Trump's levies. Continue reading DECISION IS IN A look at whos deciding the Sean 'Diddy' Combs' fate on the jury. Continue reading RADICAL NURSERY RHYMES From playtime to propaganda? 'Ms. Rachel' responds to anti-Israel posts. Continue reading DEADLY LOVE TRIANGLE Karen Read defense shifts strategy with new claim about 'jealous' third wheel. Continue reading POWER IN THE BOX A look at whos deciding the Sean 'Diddy' Combs' fate on the jury. Continue reading --'DISINFORMATION' Trump official targeted in Biden-era 'disinformation' dossier still under wraps days after Rubio revelation. Continue reading 'RECKLESS' Trump says Biden 'allowed lawlessness' while announcing National Police Week. Continue reading 'FAST-TRACK' REMOVAL DNC officials void David Hogg's election to vice chair. Continue reading EXIT STAGE LEFT Young men are 'fleeing' the Democratic Party the reason behind the switch. See more Click here for more cartoonsSHOW AND TELL FOX News goes inside New Jersey ICE facility stormed by Democrats. Continue reading RULES FOR THEE CNN panel torches Bernie for flying private on anti-oligarchy tour. Continue reading RED, WHITE AND SPEND WATCH: Are Americans willing to pay more for items made in the USA? Continue reading PAPER PROBLEMS Jeff Bezos under scrutiny as Washington Post struggles. Continue reading LIZ PEEK Democrats' bizarre affection for illegal aliens. Continue reading REP KATHERINE CLARK Trump's attack on Harvard is just the beginning. Continue reading --'THOUGHT CRIME' Retired officer hits back after arrest over social media post. Continue reading 23 DAYS LATER Nike remains virtually silent on alleged funding of trans youth study. Continue reading AMERICAN CULTURE QUIZ Test yourself on May marvels, hamburger history and lyrical legends. Take the quiz here WILD HIGH-SEAS Viral Coast Guard video shows dramatic ocean drug bust. Continue reading HE'S GOT TALENT Self-taught young baker finds his culinary creations in demand. See video LEFT EATS LEFT David Hogg fires back at DNC for moving to oust him. See video AMERICA FIRST Gutfeld! recounts Trumps weekend of wins. See video Whats it looking like in your neighborhood?Continue readingFacebookInstagramYouTubeTwitterLinkedInFox News FirstFox News OpinionFox News LifestyleFox News Entertainment (FOX411)Fox BusinessFox WeatherFox SportsTubiFox News GoThank you for making us your first choice in the morning! Well see you in your inbox first thing Wednesday.

Rapper Tory Lanez was hospitalized after an attack Monday at a California prison where he's serving a 10-year sentence for shooting hip-hop star Megan Thee Stallion in the feet, authorities said.Lanez, whose legal name is Daystar Peterson, was attacked at a housing unit at the California Correctional Institution in Tehachapi, at about 7:20 a.m., Pedro Calderon Michel, spokesman for the state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, said in an email.Michel did not specify how Lanez was attacked, but a message posted on the rapper's Instagram account Monday evening said Lanez was stabbed 14 times and both his lungs collapsed. The post said Lanez is breathing on his own.MEGAN THEE STALLION SHOOTER TORY LANEZ SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS IN PRISON"Despite being in pain, he is talking normally, in good spirits, and deeply thankful to God that he is pulling through," the post said, adding Lanez was stabbed in his back, torso, head and face.Staff immediately gave Lanez medical aid and called 911, and he was taken to an outside hospital, Michel said. The prison's investigative unit and the Kern County District Attorney's Office are investigating, he said.The prison is about 100 miles north of Los Angeles in the mountains of the Mojave Desert and houses about 1,700 medium- and maximum-security inmates.In December 2022, Lanez was convicted of three felonies: assault with a semiautomatic firearm; having a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle and discharging a firearm with gross negligence.Megan, whose legal name is Megan Pete, testified during the trial that in July 2020, after they left a party at Kylie Jenners Hollywood Hills home, Lanez fired the gun at the back of her feet and shouted for her to dance as she walked away from an SUV in which they had been riding.KIM KARDASHIAN PARIS ROBBERY TRIAL BRINGS STAR FACE TO FACE WITH ALLEGED GUNMEN IN MULTIMILLION-DOLLAR HEISTShe had bullet fragments in both feet that had to be surgically removed. It wasn't until months after the incident that she publicly identified Lanez as the person who had fired the gun.A judge rejected a motion for a new trial from Lanezs lawyers, who are appealing his conviction. They did not immediately respond to a request for comment.Megan recently alleged that Lanez was harassing her from prison through surrogates, and in January a judge issued a protective order through 2030 ordering him to stop any such harassment or any other contact.The 32-year-old Canadian Lanez began releasing mixtapes in 2009 and saw a steady rise in popularity, moving on to major label albums, two of which reached the top 10 on Billboard's charts.The case created a firestorm in the hip-hop community, churning up issues including the reluctance of Black victims to speak to police, gender politics in hip-hop, online toxicity, and the ramifications of misogynoir, a particular brand of misogyny Black women experience.The often dramatic trial was packed with friends and family members of Lanez who felt he was a victim of both the justice system and the powerful people around Megan, who is managed by Jay-Z's Roc Nation.When the verdict was announced, Lanez's father, Sonstar Peterson, jumped up and angrily denounced prosecutors and the system before he was dragged from the chaotic courtroom where many in the audience were shouting similar things. He later apologized to the judge.Megan Thee Stallion, 30, was already a major rising star at the time of the shooting, and her musics popularity has soared since. She won a Grammy for best new artist in 2021, and she had No. 1 singles with "Savage," featuring Beyonc, and as a guest on Cardi Bs "WAP."

'The Day My Brother Was Murdered' author Gianno Caldwell joins 'Fox & Friends' to discuss why he blames progressive crime policies for the surge in violence in cities like Chicago and the latest on the investigation into his brother's murder.

Rep. Rich McCormick, R-Ga., joins 'Fox & Friends First' to discuss President Donald Trump arriving in the Middle East, tech leaders attending the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum and the 90-day tariff deal with China.

Moshe Lavi, brother-in-law to a Hamas hostage, reacts to footage of Edan Alexander being freed from Hamas captivity, ongoing Israel-Hamas ceasefire talks and how his family is coping with his brother-in-law's long-term absence.

New Jersey mom Christina Calvanico Greenberg calls out state Democrats for being more focused on fighting the Trump administration's priorities than investing in education.

The CyberGuy Kurt Knutsson joins 'Fox & Friends' to discuss the U.S.-Saudi investment summit and the debate over regulation as artificial intelligence continues to advance.

Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo weighs in as President Donald Trump begins a three-day Mideast trip in Saudi Arabia.