Trump Formally Orders Lifting of Syria Sanctions
President Trump has formally signed an executive order to lift U.S. sanctions on Syria, marking a significant shift in American policy toward Damascus.
The order removes penalties previously imposed on Syrian government officials, businesses, and sectors including oil and construction. U.S. officials say the move aims to encourage normalization and foster diplomatic engagement with Syria’s government, which has endured years of economic sanctions due to the country’s civil war and human rights abuses.
Supporters argue that lifting sanctions could open avenues for humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts in Syria, potentially aiding in rebuilding infrastructure and alleviating civilian suffering. However, critics caution that easing these restrictions may empower President Bashar al-Assad’s regime without guaranteeing political reforms or accountability.
Implementation of the policy change will begin immediately, although several sanctions will remain in place, particularly those targeting individuals and entities linked to extremist groups and human rights violations.
The decision represents a policy recalibration by the Trump administration to prioritize diplomatic outreach, while retaining tools to address concerns related to extremist activity and human rights abuses within Syria.
With input from Al Jazeera.
