President Trump has unexpectedly reversed his earlier decision to lift sanctions in Syria and accept a new leader linked to both al-Qaeda and ISIS, which complicates the situation further.
This shift has been viewed as a win by humanitarian advocates, American legislators, and Arab leaders who see the new Syrian government as a chance for reconstruction in the region after the removal of Bashar Assad in December.
“There’s a mix of power dynamics at play,” said Ibrahim al-Asil, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute. He noted that various countries, including Turkey and Saudi Arabia, are pushing for more engagement with the Syrian government. During a recent panel discussion, he commented that Trump’s decision to lift sanctions offers a rare glimmer of hope to areas long plagued by conflict.
“It’s a pivotal moment,” he said, emphasizing the importance of fostering a relationship that might lead Syria towards peace and stability.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has maintained military operations in Syria since Assad’s ousting, initially targeting military stockpiles. The newly established Damascus leadership has condemned these actions as escalating tensions. Recently, Israeli forces struck near the Presidential Palace.
Netanyahu desires to keep Syria in a weakened state, suggesting it has become “weak and decentralized.”
In contrasts, Trump has indicated support for engagement with Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, receiving backing from figures like Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. At an investment forum in Riyadh, Trump humorously acknowledged his relationship with the Crown Prince, earning applause from top executives.
The following day, Trump formally met with Al-Sharaa, a controversial figure associated with a designated terrorist organization who had previously been the subject of a $10 million bounty. This was notable as it marked the first direct interaction between a U.S. president and Syrian leadership since Bill Clinton’s meeting with Hafez Assad in 2000.
Al-Sharaa’s aim seems to be transitioning from being viewed as a terrorist to a legitimate political figure, especially after the recent developments that helped topple Assad. Supporters argue that this shift could potentially stabilize the country, although there are still many unresolved issues, including sectarian violence and governance. Al-Sharaa presents himself as a preferable ally for the West compared to Russia or Iran.
“We tried to deliver that message to Trump directly,” said Mouaz Moustafa, who has led delegations to Syria since Assad’s fall and played a part in creating the Caesar Syrian Civil Protection Act of 2019, advocating for an end to U.S. sanctions.
Moustafa’s recent meeting with Al-Sharaa lasted almost four hours, and included representatives from the returning Jewish community in exile. He stressed that the new government views the U.S. as a key partner and aligns with American values more closely than other nations, hoping for an end to influence from Iran, Russia, and China.
Amid these discussions, Trump’s speech left unclear what actions his administration might take next, such as whether to ease sanctions or change Syria’s status regarding terrorism. During his meeting with Al-Sharaa, he outlined five conditions that Syria would need to meet, including establishing ties with Israel and ensuring the departure of foreign terrorists.
Currently, about 1,400 U.S. troops remain in northeastern Syria as part of efforts against ISIS, a drop from 2,000 last December. Trump has long expressed a desire to withdraw U.S. forces from Syria.
However, not all the conditions may be within Al-Sharaa’s control. Reports indicate Netanyahu urged Trump not to lift sanctions, stressing that Israeli military efforts in Syria are also aimed at protecting communities from potential threats across the border. Meanwhile, some U.S. lawmakers are encouraging the easing of sanctions to facilitate recovery in Syria.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen praised Trump’s move to lift sanctions as a step towards preventing Iranian and Russian influence. In contrast, Senator Jim Lisch expressed cautious support, urging careful monitoring of the situation going forward.
“This presents a significant opportunity,” he remarked. “We hope to make the most of it, but achieving our goals is crucial.”
