Executive Order to Remove Sanctions on Syria
President Donald Trump is scheduled to sign an executive order on June 30 to formally lift all sanctions on Syria, marking a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy toward the war-torn nation. The White House announced this decision as a strategic move to support Syria's path to stability and peace, following months of deliberation and earlier pledges made in May. White House spokesperson Caroline Leavitt emphasized during a briefing that this action aims to foster economic recovery and diplomatic engagement with the interim Syrian government.
The order will authorize transactions involving the Syrian central bank and state-owned enterprises, as confirmed by recent statements from the Treasury Department. However, sanctions on former Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad and his close associates will remain in place, ensuring that the U.S. continues to target individuals deemed responsible for past atrocities. This nuanced approach seeks to balance humanitarian and economic support with accountability for previous regime actions.
Strategic Implications for Syria and the Middle East
The lifting of sanctions is expected to provide Syria with greater access to global markets and capital, a development that experts believe could be pivotal for the country's reconstruction efforts. One analyst noted, 'Syrians will have more access to capital and be part of the global economy once again,' highlighting the potential for economic revitalization after years of conflict and isolation. The move follows Trump's meeting with Syria's current president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, in Saudi Arabia earlier this year, signaling a warming of relations.
This policy shift also comes at the request of Saudi Arabia's crown prince, indicating a broader regional strategy to stabilize Syria under new leadership. The U.S. has designated Syria as a state sponsor of terrorism since 1979, making this decision a notable departure from decades-long policy. While jubilation has been reported in Damascus over the lifting of sanctions, the long-term impact on regional dynamics, particularly concerning Iran and Israel, remains under scrutiny by policymakers.
Domestic and International Reactions to the Policy Change
Reactions to Trump's decision have been mixed, with posts on X reflecting a range of opinions from support for economic recovery to skepticism about aligning with Syria's new leadership. Some view this as a pragmatic step toward normalizing relations, while others question the implications of easing restrictions on a nation with a complex history of conflict. The White House maintains that this executive order is a calculated effort to promote peace without compromising on key principles regarding past Syrian leadership.