US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he will lift sanctions on Syria, a move that has been met with elation in the Syrian capital of Damascus. The decision was made ahead of an expected meeting with Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Engagement with Regional Leaders
Trump agreed to "say hello" to Syria’s interim president on Wednesday in Saudi Arabia as part of his tour of the Middle East. The White House stated that this would be part of his efforts to engage with regional leaders.
Background on Sanctions
The sanctions had previously blocked any foreign financing, including aid, from reaching Syria. They were originally intended to put pressure on the dictatorship of now-ousted President Bashar al-Assad. Trump stated that the policy change would give Syria "a chance at greatness," telling an investment forum in Riyadh, "it’s their time to shine."
Reactions from Syrian Officials
Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani celebrated the decision as a "pivotal turning point for the country." He expressed optimism for a future of stability, self-sufficiency, and genuine reconstruction after years of destructive war.
Current Challenges in Syria
- Poverty: Ninety percent of Syria’s population was left under the poverty line at the end of Assad’s regime. The new government has been pushing for an end to sanctions since Assad was overthrown in December.
- Calls for Sanction Lifting: Al-Sharaa repeated calls for sanctions to be lifted last week during a visit to France. He also called for Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the splinter group that overthrew Assad, to be de-listed as a terrorist organization. HTS is designated as such by the UN, US, EU, and UK due to its origins as a splinter group of al-Qaeda, from which it broke away in 2016.
Addressing Minority Rights
On Wednesday, Al-Sharaa called for a collective solution to help minority groups who have been targeted in recent clashes with Islamist armed factions. His Sunni Islamist group led the rebel offensive that took down Bashar al-Assad’s dictatorship in a single month after 13 years of civil war. However, recent mass killings of civilians from Assad’s minority Alawite sect during clashes have heightened fears among minority communities.
- Clashes: There have been deadly clashes between security forces, fighters from the Druze religious minority, and other sects, in addition to tens of thousands of separatist fighters controlling parts of Syria, including the mountainous northwest region.
- Divisions: The results of these conflicts have made Syrians feel that their country may be becoming more divided than before.
Implications of the US Announcement
The US announcement is a major boost for Al-Sharaa and marks a significant foreign policy shift, as the US had previously stated it would not lift sanctions on Syria until issues such as minority rights progressed in the country. Trump mentioned that Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and other nations were in favor of this decision.
In recent weeks, there have been clashes between security forces and fighters from minority groups, including Druze and Christians, who are also fighting against HTS separatists controlling parts of Syria.
This development signals a potential new chapter for Syria, as the lifting of sanctions could pave the way for reconstruction and stability in the region.
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