In a significant policy shift, President Trump revealed plans to lift sanctions on Syria, marking a stepping stone towards a meeting with the country’s interim leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, in Saudi Arabia. This decision has ignited celebrations in Damascus, as residents hope for reconstruction and recovery after years of war.
Trump Announces Lifting of Sanctions on Syria Ahead of Historic Meeting
Trump Announces Lifting of Sanctions on Syria Ahead of Historic Meeting
US President Donald Trump is set to lift sanctions on Syria, signaling a potential turning point in Middle Eastern relations.
Trump's plan to lift sanctions comes ahead of a scheduled meeting with Syrian interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia. The White House announced that the meeting, described as a casual "hello," is part of Trump's Middle Eastern tour. The decision to lift sanctions has sparked joy across Syria, particularly in Damascus, where residents celebrated with cheers and gunfire, viewing the sanctions as a barrier to foreign aid and investment.
Speaking at an investment forum in Riyadh, Trump characterized the move as offering Syria "a chance at greatness," suggesting that this is the nation’s time to thrive. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani hailed it as a crucial moment, emphasizing the country's longing for stability and self-sufficiency after years of conflict.
After the upheaval of the Assad regime, which left 90% of Syrians living in poverty, the new government has been seeking an end to sanctions imposed due to past human rights abuses under Assad. Al-Sharaa reiterated calls for the removal of sanctions and the re-evaluation of the status of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, an Islamist group that poses complex challenges for Syria’s stability.
U.S. foreign policy has historically linked the lifting of sanctions to significant progress in human rights within Syria, a stance that Trump appears to be reversing. This change has reportedly garnered support from Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, indicating a shift driven by regional allies.
Insight from Robert Ford, a former U.S. ambassador to Syria, underscores the necessity of foreign aid in rebuilding a war-torn country. He asserts that lifting sanctions will facilitate international investment and aid, which are crucial for Syria's recovery.
Trump is expected to continue his tour through the Arab Gulf states, including visits to Qatar and the UAE, marking a pivotal moment in U.S. engagement in the region.
Speaking at an investment forum in Riyadh, Trump characterized the move as offering Syria "a chance at greatness," suggesting that this is the nation’s time to thrive. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani hailed it as a crucial moment, emphasizing the country's longing for stability and self-sufficiency after years of conflict.
After the upheaval of the Assad regime, which left 90% of Syrians living in poverty, the new government has been seeking an end to sanctions imposed due to past human rights abuses under Assad. Al-Sharaa reiterated calls for the removal of sanctions and the re-evaluation of the status of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, an Islamist group that poses complex challenges for Syria’s stability.
U.S. foreign policy has historically linked the lifting of sanctions to significant progress in human rights within Syria, a stance that Trump appears to be reversing. This change has reportedly garnered support from Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, indicating a shift driven by regional allies.
Insight from Robert Ford, a former U.S. ambassador to Syria, underscores the necessity of foreign aid in rebuilding a war-torn country. He asserts that lifting sanctions will facilitate international investment and aid, which are crucial for Syria's recovery.
Trump is expected to continue his tour through the Arab Gulf states, including visits to Qatar and the UAE, marking a pivotal moment in U.S. engagement in the region.
