In a surprising announcement, U.S. President Donald Trump revealed plans to lift sanctions on Syria, just before an anticipated meeting with the interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa. The meeting is scheduled to occur in Saudi Arabia this Wednesday, a significant stop on Trump's Middle Eastern tour, according to statements from the White House.
The lifting of sanctions sparked jubilant celebrations in Damascus, with citizens reportedly embracing the change through dancing and celebratory gunfire. These sanctions had been initially imposed to pressure the now-toppled regime of President Bashar al-Assad, restricting foreign assistances in the beleaguered country.
During an investment forum, Trump proclaimed that this shift presents an opportunity for Syria to "shine," and described it as “their time to shine.” Syria's Foreign Minister, Asaad al-Shaibani, praised the decision, characterizing it as a "pivotal turning point" for the nation, which is looking forward to a future characterized by stability and reconstruction after years of conflict.
With approximately 90% of Syria's population living in poverty following the Assad regime, the new government is keen on re-establishing foreign aid and support, which they have been advocating for since Assad's regime was overthrown last December. Al-Sharaa has previously stated that Syria poses no global threat, calling for the removal of sanctions and for the delisting of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham from terrorist lists.
Recently, the interim leader reiterated these requests during a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron. He acknowledged that sanctions were initially imposed based on the actions of the previous regime, which no longer exists.
However, the ongoing violence perpetrated against minorities during this transitional phase raises questions about the promised protection by the new leadership, as fears persist among diverse ethnic groups within the country.
The sanction relief embodies a major foreign policy pivot for the United States, which had previously maintained that such measures would not be lifted without clear advancements in minority rights. Trump revealed that the stimulus to reconsider sanctions originated from discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and Turkish President Erdoğan.
Critics of the previous administration applauded Trump's impending move, emphasizing the urgent need for reconstruction in war-torn Syria. Former U.S. Ambassador Robert Ford stressed the importance of lifting sanctions to revitalize foreign investment and support essential to Syria's recovery.
The ongoing excursion to various Arab Gulf states will additionally include visits to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, amidst agreements on a $142 billion arms deal announced in partnership with Saudi Arabia.
The lifting of sanctions sparked jubilant celebrations in Damascus, with citizens reportedly embracing the change through dancing and celebratory gunfire. These sanctions had been initially imposed to pressure the now-toppled regime of President Bashar al-Assad, restricting foreign assistances in the beleaguered country.
During an investment forum, Trump proclaimed that this shift presents an opportunity for Syria to "shine," and described it as “their time to shine.” Syria's Foreign Minister, Asaad al-Shaibani, praised the decision, characterizing it as a "pivotal turning point" for the nation, which is looking forward to a future characterized by stability and reconstruction after years of conflict.
With approximately 90% of Syria's population living in poverty following the Assad regime, the new government is keen on re-establishing foreign aid and support, which they have been advocating for since Assad's regime was overthrown last December. Al-Sharaa has previously stated that Syria poses no global threat, calling for the removal of sanctions and for the delisting of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham from terrorist lists.
Recently, the interim leader reiterated these requests during a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron. He acknowledged that sanctions were initially imposed based on the actions of the previous regime, which no longer exists.
However, the ongoing violence perpetrated against minorities during this transitional phase raises questions about the promised protection by the new leadership, as fears persist among diverse ethnic groups within the country.
The sanction relief embodies a major foreign policy pivot for the United States, which had previously maintained that such measures would not be lifted without clear advancements in minority rights. Trump revealed that the stimulus to reconsider sanctions originated from discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and Turkish President Erdoğan.
Critics of the previous administration applauded Trump's impending move, emphasizing the urgent need for reconstruction in war-torn Syria. Former U.S. Ambassador Robert Ford stressed the importance of lifting sanctions to revitalize foreign investment and support essential to Syria's recovery.
The ongoing excursion to various Arab Gulf states will additionally include visits to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, amidst agreements on a $142 billion arms deal announced in partnership with Saudi Arabia.
