US Lifts Restrictions on Syria’s Economy
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that lifts sanctions on Syria, a decision that was discussed during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent visit to the White House. Former CIA Director Dan Hoffman commented on this development during a segment on “America’s Newsroom.”
In a notable event, Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, is set to visit Washington, D.C., next week. This marks the first official visit by a Syrian president to the U.S. capital, and the meeting is scheduled for November 10th. The news was initially reported by Axios, while White House officials confirmed the plan to FOX News Digital.
President Trump and Al-Sharaa initially connected in May during Trump’s trip to Saudi Arabia. Trump has spoken highly of Al-Sharaa, describing him as a “young, attractive guy” who is also tough and capable. “He has a strong past, a fighter. There’s real talent in his approach,” Trump remarked following discussions aboard Air Force One.
Al-Sharaa, previously known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, was a key player in ousting former dictator Bashar al-Assad during a rebel offensive last December. His group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, had been labeled a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) by the U.S. State Department. However, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced in June that the Trump administration intended to lift this designation to improve relations with Syria.
Rubio stated, “The expiration of the FTO is a significant step toward achieving President Trump’s vision of a stable and peaceful Syria.” During a visit to Riyadh, Trump received enthusiastic applause when he mentioned plans to suspend sanctions against Syria in order to “give Syria a chance for greatness.” He lightheartedly noted that this initiative was also a favor to Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who had encouraged Trump to engage with Syria’s new leadership.
Despite attempts to ease the Caesar sanctions, which are some of the most stringent measures imposed on Syria, there are indications that progress has been stymied in Congress. The administration has expressed support for repealing these sanctions through the National Defense Authorization Act, which remains under consideration by U.S. lawmakers. This legislation is named after a Syrian military defector who revealed harrowing evidence of torture and execution within Assad’s prisons, targeting those who supported the former regime.
