Trump Lifts Decades-Long US Sanctions on Syria

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order lifting longstanding U.S. sanctions on Syria, signaling a major shift in U.S. foreign policy aimed at reintegrating Syria into the global financial system and supporting its recovery after years of civil war. The sanctions relief targets the new Syrian government led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former Al-Qaeda-linked figure, while maintaining sanctions on former President Bashar al-Assad, now exiled in Russia, and other individuals linked to terrorism, chemical weapons, and human rights abuses. Trump praised al-Sharaa's leadership potential during a May meeting in Riyadh, where he also announced the sanctions relief, expressing hope for Syria's stability and normalization of ties with Israel, although such diplomatic commitments remain unfulfilled. The move has been described by U.S. officials as an unprecedented opportunity, facilitated by recent Israeli military pressure on Iranian influence in the region, to foster peace and economic development in Syria. Despite optimism from the Syrian government and U.S. officials, concerns linger over ongoing violence against minorities and the complex realities of the new regime's ties. The Trump administration continues to monitor Syria’s progress on counter-terrorism and diplomatic normalization while encouraging humanitarian aid and investment.