Doha, Qatar – In a stunning turn of events, the United States has lifted sanctions on Syria after over four decades, as announced by former U.S. President Donald Trump. This decision, described by Trump as rectifying “brutal and crippling” measures, comes following the collapse of Bashar Assad’s regime in December 2024 and the rise of a new Syrian leadership.
The announcement coincided with a high-profile meeting in Doha, Qatar, where Trump met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, alongside Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan joined the discussions remotely. Trump lauded al-Sharaa as a “young, attractive guy” and a “tough guy,” signaling a potential shift in diplomatic relations.
Trump’s Expectations for Syria
During the meeting, Trump urged al-Sharaa to sign the Abraham Accords, a move that would normalize relations with Israel. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of removing foreign terrorists from Syrian soil and preventing the resurgence of ISIS. These demands highlight the U.S.’s strategic interests in stabilizing the region and ensuring its security.
Al-Sharaa’s Background: From Rebel Leader to President
Ahmed al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, is the former leader of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a rebel coalition that successfully overthrew Assad in December. HTS, which once controlled the Idlib province, had been designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. Al-Sharaa’s past includes ties to al-Qaeda, although he claims to have severed those connections in 2016. His transformation from a U.S.-designated terrorist to a key figure in diplomatic talks underscores the complexities of the Syrian conflict and the evolving geopolitical landscape.
Rising Tensions and Violence
Despite these diplomatic efforts, the region remains volatile. Recent Israeli airstrikes near Damascus, citing violence in Druze areas, underscore the ongoing tensions. Sectarian violence involving Islamist factions, security forces, and Druze gunmen is escalating, raising fears of broader unrest. Further complicating the situation, allegations have surfaced regarding the killing of an Alawite during sectarian violence in March, with claims that government forces monitored armed civilians.
Implications and Future Outlook
The lifting of U.S. sanctions and the potential normalization of relations between Syria and Israel represent a significant shift in the region’s dynamics. However, the ongoing violence and sectarian tensions pose substantial challenges to long-term stability. The success of this detente will depend on al-Sharaa’s ability to address these internal conflicts and uphold the commitments made to the U.S. regarding counter-terrorism and regional security. The world watches closely as Syria navigates this new chapter, fraught with both opportunities and perils.