BlogHear.com | 13 May 2025
RIYADH — U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the lifting of sanctions on Syria, in a move that marks a major shift in American foreign policy and comes ahead of a scheduled meeting with Syria’s interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa.
The announcement was made during Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia, the first stop of his Middle East tour. The White House confirmed that the U.S. president will “say hello” to al-Sharaa on Wednesday.
Damascus Celebrates as Sanctions Lifted
News of the sanctions being lifted sparked scenes of jubilation in the Syrian capital Damascus, with reports of cheering, dancing, and celebratory gunfire. The sanctions had long blocked foreign financing and aid, imposed originally to isolate former President Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
“It’s their time to shine,” President Trump said at a U.S.-Saudi investment forum in Riyadh, calling the policy shift an opportunity for Syria to achieve “a chance at greatness.”
A Turning Point for Syria
Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani welcomed the decision, calling it a “pivotal turning point” for the country. In comments to state news agency Sana, al-Shaibani said Syria now looks forward to stability, reconstruction, and economic recovery after years of war.
Ninety percent of Syrians were living below the poverty line by the end of Assad’s rule. The new government has consistently lobbied for an end to U.S. and international sanctions since Assad was ousted in December.
Security Concerns Persist
While interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, a Sunni Islamist and former member of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has vowed to protect ethnic and religious minorities, human rights concerns remain.
Recent clashes between new security forces and Assad loyalists in the western coastal region in March resulted in the deaths of hundreds of civilians, many from the Alawite sect, the same sect as Assad. Tensions have also flared in Druze-majority regions, with deadly confrontations involving Islamist factions, local militias, and state security forces.
HTS remains designated a terrorist organization by the U.S., U.N., EU, and UK due to its origins as a splinter group from al-Qaeda. Al-Sharaa has called for HTS to be removed from terrorism lists, arguing the group’s separation from al-Qaeda in 2016 and its leadership role in toppling Assad merit a reassessment.
“These sanctions were imposed on the previous regime because of the crimes it committed, and this regime is gone,” al-Sharaa said at a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron last week.
Strategic Support from Gulf States
Trump stated that his decision to lift sanctions followed appeals from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
“Oh, what I do for the Crown Prince,” Trump said, praising his “close relationship” with bin Salman. The two leaders met on Tuesday and jointly announced a $142 billion arms deal between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.
Former Diplomat Backs Move
Robert Ford, former U.S. Ambassador to Syria under President Obama, supported the decision. Speaking to the BBC, Ford said:
“Syria is devastated after the 13-year civil war. It needs reconstruction and foreign financing. Lifting sanctions will allow capital and aid from Gulf and Arab states to flow into the country.”
Trump’s tour of the Arab Gulf states will continue with visits to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates later this week.
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