In a stunning turn of events, the United States has lifted sanctions on Syria, marking a potential turning point for the war-torn nation and the broader Middle East. The decision, spearheaded by President Donald Trump, comes alongside a meeting with Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh, signaling a major shift in US policy.
Trump has urged Syria’s interim leader to establish ties with Israel, promising that the US will drop all sanctions if Syria complies. The move has been met with celebrations in the streets of Syria, as the sanctions had crippled the nation’s economy, isolating it from the global financial system and imposing a range of economic restrictions.
However, the path forward is fraught with challenges. The Bashar al-Assad regime fell in December 2024 following an offensive by rebel forces, leading to Assad’s exile in Moscow. Al-Sharaa, formerly a leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), was appointed as president of Syria on January 29, 2025. The new government has since been working to consolidate power, announcing the dissolution of several armed militias and their integration into the Syrian Ministry of Defense.
The lifting of sanctions occurs amidst ongoing internal conflict. A recent military operation targeting loyalists of former president Bashar al-Assad in the western coastal region resulted in over 1,500 deaths, including over 1,000 civilians. Deadly clashes in Syria’s Druze areas have further raised fears of widening unrest, prompting Israel to strike near the Syrian palace, citing concerns over violence in Druze areas.
Al-Sharaa has embarked on his first trip to Europe, starting with a visit to Paris, as Syria seeks to re-establish international ties. The stakes are high as Syria navigates a complex web of internal divisions, regional tensions, and international relations. Whether al-Sharaa can successfully bridge divides with Israel and Europe while maintaining stability at home remains to be seen. The coming months will be critical in determining the future trajectory of Syria and its role in the region.
