President Donald Trump has officially lifted U.S. sanctions on Syria, signaling a dramatic shift in Middle East policy. This move aims to support Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former al-Qaeda-linked Islamist terrorist who has allegedly renounced extremism and pledged to rebuild the war-torn nation.
During his Middle East tour, Trump announced the policy change in Riyadh, stating, “Now it’s their time to shine. We’re taking them all off.” The decision follows Sharaa’s rise to power after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. Sharaa has expressed intentions to form an inclusive government and has shown openness to U.S. economic involvement in Syria’s reconstruction.
The lifting of sanctions has elicited mixed reactions. Supporters argue it could stabilize Syria and reduce Iranian and Russian influence. Critics, however, caution against trusting a leader with a past linked to terror groups. Senator Lindsey Graham emphasized the need for congressional oversight, stating, “Waiving congressionally-passed sanctions is a complicated process.”
There is also concern regarding the authenticity of Sharaa’s commitment to moderate, as he has done little to rein in the Islamist militants who fought with him to overthrow the Assad regime. Many of these radical factions have been linked to the recent massacres of religious and ethnic minorities in Syria, including Christians, Druze, and Alawites. These acts have been perpetrated as part of government security operations.
Trump’s broader Middle East strategy includes encouraging Saudi Arabia to normalize relations with Israel and issuing warnings to Iran regarding its nuclear program. He remarked, “One way or another, make your move,” signaling potential consequences if Iran does not curb its nuclear activities.
The president’s approach reflects a transactional foreign policy, focusing on economic deals and strategic partnerships. While the long-term effects remain uncertain, Trump’s actions have undeniably altered the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.
