The United States has formally removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, marking a dramatic shift in Washington’s relationship with Damascus and opening the door to billions of dollars in potential foreign investment as Syria seeks to rebuild following the collapse of the Assad regime.
The U.S. State Department announced the decision following a congressional review period and after President Donald Trump’s administration had already taken steps to ease sanctions imposed on Syria.
The move is expected to significantly reduce Syria’s isolation from the international financial system while eliminating restrictions that had affected foreign assistance and defense-related exports.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said as the process moved forward that lifting the restrictions would make international trade and investment possible and provide Syria with an opportunity to rebuild after years of devastating conflict.
The decision comes amid commitments from Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa that his government will no longer support terrorism, a key issue in Washington’s deliberations over changing Syria’s status.
Trump and al-Sharaa also met last month during the NATO summit in Ankara, as the two governments continued a remarkable diplomatic rapprochement that would have been nearly unimaginable under Syria’s previous government.
The lifting of the restrictions is expected to unleash significant investment interest from the Gulf, with Saudi companies and businesses from other Gulf states reportedly preparing to invest billions of dollars in Syria’s reconstruction.
Since the Assad regime was toppled in late 2024, the new government in Damascus has received growing international backing as it attempts to stabilize the country and restore Syria’s economic and diplomatic relationships.
Al-Sharaa has meanwhile embarked on an extensive diplomatic campaign aimed at establishing the legitimacy of his government, meeting with leaders across Europe and the Middle East as Damascus seeks to emerge from years of international isolation.
{Matzav.com}
