US Lifts 50-Year Sanctions on Syria After Regional Pressure

The United States has officially lifted decades-long economic sanctions on Syria, signaling a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy aimed at encouraging investment and economic recovery in the war-torn country. This decision, announced by President Donald Trump during a visit to the Middle East, was influenced heavily by regional allies such as Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, who have supported Syria's new government following the toppling of Bashar al Assad's regime. The Treasury Department issued a general license permitting transactions previously banned, including dealings in petroleum and financial services, to facilitate Syria's reconstruction and reintegration into the global economy. Regional leaders, including Turkey's Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek, praised the move as a vital step toward stability, peace, and prosperity in Syria, emphasizing the broader benefits for regional security and economic development. However, the decision has also been met with caution, particularly from Israel, due to concerns over Syria's new government's jihadist roots and the potential loss of leverage. The policy reversal represents a broader effort to normalize relations with Syria's interim government while addressing ongoing challenges posed by years of conflict and instability.