In a significant move, President Donald Trump has declared intentions to lift sanctions imposed on Syria after the fall of the Assad regime, marking a potential turning point for the country’s future. This decision is expected to benefit the newly established Syrian government under Ahmed al-Sharaa, following the regime’s collapse in December. However, it may pose challenges for Israel, which had increased its military and territorial pursuits in Syria post-Assad.
During a speech at a Saudi investment forum in Riyadh, Trump stated that this decision came after discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The President emphasized that Syria had endured extensive devastation and that restoring US-Syrian relations was a priority for his administration after more than ten years of estrangement.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to meet Syria’s foreign minister in Turkey within the week to further these diplomatic efforts. The fall of the Assad regime during the Biden administration opened the door for Syria’s new leadership to request the lifting of these crippling sanctions.
Trump’s move is seen as an opportunity for Syria to stabilize and progress, despite the turbulent history of its new leader, al-Sharaa, who has distanced himself from former extremist ties. The meeting between Trump and al-Sharaa in Riyadh marks a high point in US-Syrian engagement, even as formal diplomatic relations remain unestablished.
The lifting of sanctions has been met with optimism from Syria’s foreign minister, Asaad Al-Shaibani, and the UN’s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, who highlighted its importance for renewing essential services and economic growth. The US’s action follows partial sanction relief by the UK and EU earlier this year.
In the US, there is bipartisan encouragement for the move, though some caution remains about the nature of Syria’s current leadership. Senator Lindsey Graham expressed a cautious willingness to support this relief under certain conditions, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of the implications.
Celebrations erupted in Syrian cities like Homs, where residents expressed hope for national reconstruction. Videos showed people waving flags and chanting in gratitude towards Saudi Arabia and King Salman.
Economic prospects appear promising, with predictions of increased investments and economic activities as Syria hopes to rejoin global financial networks. This development is seen as a step towards Syria’s economic renaissance, with potential benefits for its citizens.
Overall, the announcement is perceived as a diplomatic win for both the Syrian leadership and the Saudi crown prince, indicating a shift in international relations and economic opportunities for Syria.
