President Trump's decision marks a pivotal moment for Syria's recovery efforts post-civil war.
Trump Eases Sanctions on Syria as New Leadership Emerges
Trump Eases Sanctions on Syria as New Leadership Emerges
A significant shift in U.S. foreign policy as sanctions on Syria are lifted, despite concerns over its new leader's past ties.
President Trump has signed an executive order that will significantly roll back U.S. economic sanctions on Syria, signaling a shift in American foreign policy toward the war-torn nation. This decision comes as part of an overture towards the newly installed President Ahmed al-Shara, who took over following the ousting of the long-standing dictator Bashar al-Assad.
During a recent trip to Saudi Arabia, Trump expressed his support for the young leader, describing al-Shara as “attractive” and “tough,” and highlighted the need for Syria to have the opportunity to rebuild after enduring a decade-long civil conflict.
While some U.S. officials remain apprehensive about al-Shara due to his former leadership of a group previously labeled a terrorist organization by the United States, there is a growing impatience among Syria's Arab neighbors to initiate reconstruction. The lifting of sanctions could open doors for international investment and stabilize a nation historically linked with terrorism and drug trafficking.
Effective immediately, the executive order dismantles a series of longstanding sanctions targeting Syria’s central bank and various state entities. Notably, sanctions against al-Assad and his associates, as well as individuals linked to human rights abuses and drug smuggling, will remain in place.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt remarked on the decision, declaring it a fulfillment of President Trump's promise made in Saudi Arabia—a move that has surprised many observers in the context of U.S.-Syria relations.
During a recent trip to Saudi Arabia, Trump expressed his support for the young leader, describing al-Shara as “attractive” and “tough,” and highlighted the need for Syria to have the opportunity to rebuild after enduring a decade-long civil conflict.
While some U.S. officials remain apprehensive about al-Shara due to his former leadership of a group previously labeled a terrorist organization by the United States, there is a growing impatience among Syria's Arab neighbors to initiate reconstruction. The lifting of sanctions could open doors for international investment and stabilize a nation historically linked with terrorism and drug trafficking.
Effective immediately, the executive order dismantles a series of longstanding sanctions targeting Syria’s central bank and various state entities. Notably, sanctions against al-Assad and his associates, as well as individuals linked to human rights abuses and drug smuggling, will remain in place.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt remarked on the decision, declaring it a fulfillment of President Trump's promise made in Saudi Arabia—a move that has surprised many observers in the context of U.S.-Syria relations.
