Trump Ends Syria Sanctions, Begins Talks with New Government

President Donald Trump announced during a visit to Saudi Arabia that the United States will lift longstanding sanctions on Syria following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad and the establishment of a new government led by President Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa. This decision, made after consultations with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, aims to give Syria a chance to stabilize and pursue peace, despite concerns over al-Sharaa's past ties to extremist groups such as Al Qaeda. The move marks a significant shift in U.S. policy as al-Sharaa, once a leader of the al-Nusra Front, now heads the transitional government that emerged after opposition forces captured Damascus. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet with Syrian officials to discuss diplomatic engagement. While the UK had similarly lifted sanctions earlier, there remain worries about ongoing militia violence and sectarian governance within Syria. Trump expressed cautious optimism about the new government's potential, emphasizing regional support against Iranian influence.