In a significant policy shift, President Donald Trump has officially signed an executive order to revoke U.S. sanctions imposed on Syria, a move that has been met with a wave of enthusiasm in the country. According to Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, the lifting of these sanctions will ‘lift the obstacle’ to Syria’s long-sought economic recovery and welcome the nation back into the international community. The White House emphasized that while the sanctions against the government of Bashar al-Assad remain in place, this new directive is aimed at supporting Syria’s path towards stability and peace.
The sanctions had initially been established to hinder Bashar al-Assad’s regime by blocking any foreign financing. However, the recent order appears to be an effort by Trump to endorse the newly established Syrian government under former rebel leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has promised to foster economic growth and took office after Assad’s ousting in December.
Trump had previously indicated his intentions to lift these sanctions during a visit to Riyadh, where he met with Sharaa. Celebrations erupted in the streets of Damascus following the announcement, signaling a glimmer of hope for a nation ravaged by years of civil strife, which led to the deaths of over 600,000 and displaced 12 million citizens.
The executive order places the responsibility on Secretary of State Marco Rubio, instructing him to review the designation of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist group formerly affiliated with al-Qaeda that played a crucial role in Assad’s overthrow. Although the U.S. maintains sanctions against Assad and his close associates, the decision to lift sanctions on Syria raises questions about the future of HTS and its controversial role in the region.
Moreover, Trump remains focused on ensuring that the new Syrian government takes concrete measures toward normalizing ties with Israel while addressing foreign terrorist concerns. As the U.S. monitors the administration’s actions, it’s essential to acknowledge the delicate balance between supporting a transition towards peace and addressing the complexities of Syria’s fragmented society.
With ninety percent of Syria’s population currently living below the poverty line post-civil war, many are hopeful that this policy change signals a new chapter for the war-torn nation. However, fears remain over the safety of minority communities, especially after recent violent incidents involving Assad loyalists and clashes with Islamist factions.
This move is seen as a significant step for Trump, with the White House noting that it reflects his commitment to fostering regional stability. As the U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack highlighted, the decision to remove these sanctions is an opportunity for Syria — one that could potentially result in lasting peace and recovery for a nation that has suffered through years of devastation.
The situation in Syria continues to develop, and as the new government seeks legitimacy, all eyes will be on Trump’s administration to see how it balances support for recovery while navigating a highly complex political landscape.