Historical Shift as U.S. Lifts Sanctions on Syria Amid Gulf Summit
Syria's interim president hails U.S. decision as a pivotal moment for prosperity and regional relations.
In a significant diplomatic development, U.S. President Donald Trump announced during his visit to Saudi Arabia that the United States would lift all sanctions imposed on Syria, a move hailed by Syrian interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa as a "historic and courageous" decision.
This announcement came during Trump's meetings at a Gulf Cooperation Council summit in Riyadh, marking the first official dialogue between a U.S. president and a Syrian leader in over 25 years.
Al-Sharaa praised the extensive efforts of the Syrian communities abroad that had lobbied for the sanctions to be lifted, asserting that their contributions played a crucial role in this breakthrough.
He emphasized that Syria is not just celebrating the lifting of sanctions but is also commemorating the revival of mutual feelings among the peoples of the region.
Trump's declaration sought to provide Syria with a chance for growth and development, describing the sanctions as "brutal and obstructive." He reaffirmed that with these lifted obstacles, Syria could embark on a new path.
Trump cited discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as influential in his decision.
In his speech, Al-Sharaa asserted that Syria has turned a page on a tragic chapter in its recent history under former leadership, stating that the spirit of national belonging has returned to its people and hope has been restored, despite lingering challenges.
The president indicated that Syria plans to facilitate investment and open its doors to foreign investors, claiming that the nation has reopened paths previously closed off, paving the way for strategic relations with both Arab and Western countries.
He stressed that Syria will no longer be a battleground for power struggles and that it remains united, prioritizing the urgent realities faced by its citizens.
The lifting of sanctions, which had persisted for 46 years, was deemed necessary as the reasons initially prompting them were diminished following the downfall of former President Bashar al-Assad's regime.
Under the previous administration of Joe Biden, some sanctions had been temporarily lifted; however, these exceptions were criticized by the Syrian government for failing to ensure a significant improvement in the lives of Syrians.
Trump's announcement aligns with a broader context of U.S. foreign policy focusing on Middle Eastern relations, especially in light of changes following the aftermath of the Syrian civil war that began in 2011. Initial sanctions on Syria were instituted in 1979 and had expanded significantly over the years, particularly after the uprising began.
In meeting with President Al-Sharaa, Trump emphasized the U.S. commitment to normalize relations with Syria, and he outlined five specific requests including a diplomatic recognition of Israel, the expulsion of foreign fighters, and cooperation in the fight against ISIS.
Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister, Faisal bin Farhan, noted that the lifting of sanctions reflects aspirations for a stable Syria and that Saudi Arabia, along with other international partners, remains committed to supporting Syria during this transitional phase.
As the region navigates these developments, the international community will be watching closely to assess the potential outcomes and impacts of U.S. policy changes on Syria's future and its relations with regional neighbors.
This announcement came during Trump's meetings at a Gulf Cooperation Council summit in Riyadh, marking the first official dialogue between a U.S. president and a Syrian leader in over 25 years.
Al-Sharaa praised the extensive efforts of the Syrian communities abroad that had lobbied for the sanctions to be lifted, asserting that their contributions played a crucial role in this breakthrough.
He emphasized that Syria is not just celebrating the lifting of sanctions but is also commemorating the revival of mutual feelings among the peoples of the region.
Trump's declaration sought to provide Syria with a chance for growth and development, describing the sanctions as "brutal and obstructive." He reaffirmed that with these lifted obstacles, Syria could embark on a new path.
Trump cited discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as influential in his decision.
In his speech, Al-Sharaa asserted that Syria has turned a page on a tragic chapter in its recent history under former leadership, stating that the spirit of national belonging has returned to its people and hope has been restored, despite lingering challenges.
The president indicated that Syria plans to facilitate investment and open its doors to foreign investors, claiming that the nation has reopened paths previously closed off, paving the way for strategic relations with both Arab and Western countries.
He stressed that Syria will no longer be a battleground for power struggles and that it remains united, prioritizing the urgent realities faced by its citizens.
The lifting of sanctions, which had persisted for 46 years, was deemed necessary as the reasons initially prompting them were diminished following the downfall of former President Bashar al-Assad's regime.
Under the previous administration of Joe Biden, some sanctions had been temporarily lifted; however, these exceptions were criticized by the Syrian government for failing to ensure a significant improvement in the lives of Syrians.
Trump's announcement aligns with a broader context of U.S. foreign policy focusing on Middle Eastern relations, especially in light of changes following the aftermath of the Syrian civil war that began in 2011. Initial sanctions on Syria were instituted in 1979 and had expanded significantly over the years, particularly after the uprising began.
In meeting with President Al-Sharaa, Trump emphasized the U.S. commitment to normalize relations with Syria, and he outlined five specific requests including a diplomatic recognition of Israel, the expulsion of foreign fighters, and cooperation in the fight against ISIS.
Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister, Faisal bin Farhan, noted that the lifting of sanctions reflects aspirations for a stable Syria and that Saudi Arabia, along with other international partners, remains committed to supporting Syria during this transitional phase.
As the region navigates these developments, the international community will be watching closely to assess the potential outcomes and impacts of U.S. policy changes on Syria's future and its relations with regional neighbors.