US President Donald Trump has signaled a notable shift in foreign policy, announcing the lifting of sanctions imposed on Syria ahead of a scheduled meeting with interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The White House confirmed that Trump will “say hello” to al-Sharaa during his tour in Saudi Arabia, stirring positive reactions in Syria’s capital, Damascus, where citizens celebrated with cheers, dances, and celebratory gunfire.
The sanctions, initially aimed to pressure the regime of slain President Bashar al-Assad, effectively hindered foreign aid and financing. Trump's declaration at an investment forum in Riyadh suggests a fresh perspective on Syria’s future, emphasizing that “it's their time to shine.” Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani termed the announcement a "pivotal turning point," expressing hope for a new era of “stability, self-sufficiency, and reconstruction” after years of civil war.
The announcement comes as Syrian governance faces multi-layered challenges, with 90% of the population living below the poverty line since the fall of Assad. Al-Sharaa, who called for lifting sanctions and changes in the designation of certain armed groups, reiterated in a recent press conference that the previous regime's crimes should not dictate the current government's fate, advocating for a support-based international approach.
However, the legacy of Assad's regime continues to haunt the new leadership, especially regarding the rights and safety of minority communities. Reports indicate troubling violence against Alawites, which raises concerns about stability across various sectors of Syrian society. Additionally, as clashes among various armed factions persist, fears of widespread unrest loom large.
The US's decision to ease sanctions is also seen as a response to requests from regional leaders, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, further indicating a strategic recalibration in Washington’s stance towards the Middle East. The meeting in Saudi Arabia was preceded by a $142 billion arms deal announcement during Trump’s first leg of the Middle Eastern tour.
Long-term observers, such as former US ambassador Robert Ford, have welcomed the shift, citing the dire need for reconstruction and foreign investment in Syria. Trump’s upcoming visits to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates are also anticipated as integral parts of this significant diplomatic endeavor.
