Donald Trump Revokes Economic Sanctions Against Syria: A New Chapter in U.S. Foreign Policy
One of the most significant recent decisions in U.S. foreign policy was the reversal of economic sanctions against Syria, announced by President Donald Trump. This move marks a substantial shift in the relationship between the two countries and bears considerable implications for stability in the Middle East. The presidential decree entails the lifting of long-standing economic blockade that isolated Syria from the global financial system. According to Brett Smith, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, this step aims to create conditions for increased international trade, attract investments from neighboring countries and the United States, and promote economic and political stabilization. Alongside the lifting of sanctions, the state of emergency declared by former President George W. Bush after Syria’s support for Lebanon and its development of weapons of mass destruction and missile programs has also been revoked. This decision was reached following Trump’s May meeting with Syria's new president, Ahmad al-Shara, a figure linked to former militants of al-Qaeda, who fought against U.S. forces in Iraq and previously served time in the notorious Abu Ghraib prison. Despite past controversies, Washington views this move as an opportunity for potential stabilization of Syria, fostering diplomatic ties, and seeking a diplomatic compromise. White House spokeswoman Caroline Leavitt stated: “President Trump’s actions are aimed at advancing the country toward stability and peace. Lifting sanctions opens new opportunities for diplomatic resolution and recovery efforts.” She emphasized that while sanctions against Bashar al-Assad and his associates remain in effect, measures targeting human rights violators, drug traffickers, chemical weapons, ISIS militants, and Iranian mercenaries are still enforced. This decision results from prolonged diplomatic negotiations and the changing political landscape after Syria’s December 2024 elections, which saw a new government proposing a more inclusive approach considering U.S. and international interests. The European Union also recently moved toward normalizing relations; on May 28, the EU decided to lift most economic restrictions against Syria, maintaining only those deemed necessary for security reasons.