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In a significant shift in US foreign policy, President Donald Trump has initiated the easing of long-standing sanctions on Syria, marking a pivotal moment for the war-torn nation and the broader Middle East. This decision comes in the wake of President Trump’s successful Gulf tour and discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. It reflects a pragmatic approach to fostering stability and economic recovery in the region.

To understand the implications of this policy change, it is essential to revisit the origins of the sanctions. The US first designated Syria as a “state sponsor of terrorism” in 1979, citing its support for groups like Hezbollah and its military presence in Lebanon. Further sanctions were imposed in 2004 under the Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act, targeting Syria’s alleged pursuit of weapons of mass destruction and its interference in neighboring Iraq. The most stringent measures came in 2011, in response to the Assad regime’s brutal crackdown on peaceful protesters, leading to the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019, which aimed to hold the regime accountable for war crimes.

The easing of sanctions offers a pathway for the country to rebuild and reintegrate into the international community. 

Faisal J. Abbas | Editor-in-Chief

The collapse of Bashar Assad’s regime in December 2024 ushered in a new era for Syria. Ahmad Al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed Al-Golani, has emerged as the interim president. While his past affiliations have raised concerns, Al-Sharaa has made concerted efforts to distance himself from his militant past and present himself as a statesman committed to rebuilding Syria. His first diplomatic outreach was to ������Ƶ, including a visit to Makkah with his wife. The visit signaled a desire to align Syria with its Arab neighbors — as opposed to Iran — and embrace a more moderate form of Islam and governance.

The decision to ease sanctions is not an endorsement of past actions but a recognition of the changing dynamics on the ground, and a bet on a future that the US, ������Ƶ, and other moderate states can help support the great — and now free — people of Syria in rebuilding their country. The sanctions were primarily aimed at the Assad regime’s oppressive policies and its destabilizing role in the region. With the regime’s fall, maintaining these sanctions would only hinder the Syrian people’s aspirations for peace and prosperity. Moreover, Al-Sharaa’s commitment to forming an inclusive government, respecting minority rights, and focusing on reconstruction efforts aligns with the broader goals of regional stability.

Syria’s economy has been devastated by years of conflict and sanctions, with over 90 percent of the population living in poverty. The lifting of sanctions opens the door for international investment, aid, and the rebuilding of critical infrastructure. It also allows Syria to shift from being a hub for illicit activities, such as drug trafficking, to becoming a center for trade and tourism, reminiscent of its pre-war status.

For the Syrian people, the lifting of sanctions brings hope for a future free from conflict and economic despair.

Faisal J. Abbas | Editor-in-Chief

Al-Sharaa’s overtures to Arab nations and his efforts to distance Syria from former allies like Iran and Russia suggest a potential realignment that could serve US strategic interests. His political moves, including hiring successful technocrats such as renowned entrepreneur Abdulsalam Haykal in the role of information technology minister, indicate his sincere desire to rebuild the nation. Will he be successful? Will he have a change of heart later on? Time will tell.

However, the one definite fact is that the easing of sanctions on Syria represents a pragmatic approach to a complex situation. It acknowledges the transformative changes in Syria’s political landscape and offers a pathway for the country to rebuild and reintegrate into the international community. For the Syrian people, it brings hope for a future free from conflict and economic despair. For the region and the world, it presents an opportunity to foster stability and counteract extremist influences.

• Faisal J. Abbas is the Editor-in-Chief of Arab News. X: @FaisalJAbbas