The lifting of sanctions marks a major change in US policy towards Syria amid hopes for national rebuilding and stability.
Trump Set to Lift Sanctions on Syria; Meeting with Leader Expected
Trump Set to Lift Sanctions on Syria; Meeting with Leader Expected
Sanctions on Syria to be lifted as Trump meets interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa during Middle East tour.
US President Donald Trump has announced the lifting of sanctions on Syria, as he prepares for a meeting with the country’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa. This significant policy shift comes during Trump's Middle East tour, with the expected meeting taking place in Saudi Arabia. The White House revealed that Trump would meet al-Sharaa for a brief exchange on Wednesday, generating excitement in Damascus, where residents celebrated with cheers and gunfire.
The sanctions, which had impeded foreign financing and aid to Syria, were originally imposed to pressure the regime of deposed President Bashar al-Assad. Trump emphasized that the changes to US policy would enable Syria "a chance at greatness," and stated at an investment forum in Riyadh, "it's their time to shine."
Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani hailed the decision, viewing it as a monumental moment for the nation, which looks forward to establishing stability and a path to reconstruction following years of civil war. The aftermath of the conflict has left about 90% of Syria's population living in poverty, and the new government has been actively urging for the sanctions to be reconsidered since the fall of Assad’s regime.
During a recent press conference, al-Sharaa echoed calls for lifting sanctions and de-listing Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist group that played a significant role in the ousting of Assad. While he justified these requests based on the regime's downfall, fears remain among minority communities due to past violence, including recent clashes that have resulted in numerous deaths.
Trump's announcement not only bolsters al-Sharaa's position but represents a notable shift in US policy, which previously tied sanction removal to improvements in minority rights. The decision followed requests from Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman of Saudi Arabia and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, with Trump expressing fondness for the Crown Prince during their meeting.
Former US ambassador to Syria, Robert Ford, welcomed the sanction lift as a necessary step for Syria's reconstruction. He stressed the urgency for foreign investment and support to aid in rebuilding the war-torn nation. The President's tour of the Gulf continues with planned stops in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
