**In a dramatic departure from long-standing sanctions, President Trump has announced the lifting of many restrictions on Syria, embracing Ahmed al-Shara's new leadership while still maintaining sanctions against former dictator Bashar al-Assad.**
**Trump Eases Sanctions on Syria, Backing New Leadership Amid Controversy**
**Trump Eases Sanctions on Syria, Backing New Leadership Amid Controversy**
**The U.S. President's announcement marks a significant shift in American policy towards Syria as it seeks to support a new government and economic reconstruction.**
In a landmark decision, President Trump signed an executive order on Monday that initiates the lifting of several economic sanctions imposed on Syria, a move that is expected to bolster the country’s new leadership under President Ahmed al-Shara. This policy shift comes as a surprise following Trump's earlier commitment made during his visit to the Middle East in May, where he engaged with al-Shara after the latter’s ascent to power following the ousting of longtime dictator Bashar al-Assad.
Al-Shara, who previously led a rebel faction flagged by the U.S. as a terrorist group, has elicited mixed reactions due to his past affiliations with extremist factions like Al Qaeda. However, supporters argue for a fresh start for Syria, stressing the need for reconstruction following a brutal civil war that has lasted over a decade. Trump described al-Shara as a “young, attractive, and tough” leader deserving of an opportunity to rehabilitate Syria after years of conflict and devastation.
Despite Trump's evident backing for al-Shara, concerns linger among policymakers about his radical past, although he severed ties with Al Qaeda years ago. While neighboring Arab nations are eager to participate in Syria’s reconstruction efforts, the enduring weight of U.S. sanctions—some of which have been in place for more than 20 years—has hindered potential investments.
Beginning Tuesday, the executive order is slated to remove sanctions against key Syrian financial institutions and state-linked entities like the central bank. However, sanctions against Assad and his allies, who are accused of severe human rights violations and criminal activities, will remain enforced. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt remarked that this move fulfills a commitment made by Trump during his Saudi Arabia visit, which has drawn widespread international attention.
Al-Shara, who previously led a rebel faction flagged by the U.S. as a terrorist group, has elicited mixed reactions due to his past affiliations with extremist factions like Al Qaeda. However, supporters argue for a fresh start for Syria, stressing the need for reconstruction following a brutal civil war that has lasted over a decade. Trump described al-Shara as a “young, attractive, and tough” leader deserving of an opportunity to rehabilitate Syria after years of conflict and devastation.
Despite Trump's evident backing for al-Shara, concerns linger among policymakers about his radical past, although he severed ties with Al Qaeda years ago. While neighboring Arab nations are eager to participate in Syria’s reconstruction efforts, the enduring weight of U.S. sanctions—some of which have been in place for more than 20 years—has hindered potential investments.
Beginning Tuesday, the executive order is slated to remove sanctions against key Syrian financial institutions and state-linked entities like the central bank. However, sanctions against Assad and his allies, who are accused of severe human rights violations and criminal activities, will remain enforced. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt remarked that this move fulfills a commitment made by Trump during his Saudi Arabia visit, which has drawn widespread international attention.
