Syrians are rejoicing across the nation, most notably in the major city of Aleppo, following President Trump's recent declaration to lift U.S. sanctions imposed on Syria. This significant policy shift, announced during a speech in Saudi Arabia, has ignited hope among citizens who have endured a decade of devastating civil war and harsh economic conditions.
As a pharmacist named Sami al-Hajj remarked, the prospect of lifted sanctions offers a glimmer of reassurance for families once plagued by uncertainty. The lifting of sanctions is anticipated to lead to increases in salaries, reductions in the prices of basic goods like bread and gasoline, as well as improved access to electricity—a luxury that has been sporadic at best. The long-awaited reconstruction of devastated towns and cities may also be on the horizon.
Experts view the removal of U.S. sanctions as vital for enabling the new administration, headed by Ahmed al-Shara—a former rebel leader who played a pivotal role in the ousting of former president Bashar al-Assad—to revitalize the country's shattered economy. Under previous sanctions, Syria was effectively cut off from international financial systems, suffering from restricted imports and dwindling foreign investment.
In a groundbreaking meeting with President al-Shara, Trump addressed a myriad of crucial issues, marking the first time in 25 years that leaders from the U.S. and Syria have come together. This historic dialogue, lasting approximately half an hour, was also notable due to al-Shara's contentious past, particularly his prior designation as a terrorist by the U.S. owing to connections with Al Qaeda.
After the meeting, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt conveyed that Trump emphasized the importance of seeking a peace agreement with Israel, expelling foreign terrorist elements, and collaborating with the U.S. to combat the Islamic State. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to engage further with al-Shara’s foreign minister to delve deeper into these pivotal discussions.
