President Donald Trump announced the United States’ decision to lift sanctions on Syria while visiting Saudi Arabia on May 14, 2025. The move is a significant victory for Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa as he seeks to consolidate power six months after his movement’s toppling of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
Turkey played a crucial role in pushing the US to accept the post-Assad government, with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan having a strong relationship with Trump since his first administration. The two leaders have struck up a strong bond, with Trump declaring himself a “big fan” of Erdogan.
The decision has far-reaching implications for Syria and the Middle East region. With sanctions lifted, Syria can now focus on state-building and rebuilding its economy. However, challenges remain, including violence in Syria and neighboring Israel’s repeated attacks on positions in Syria.
Turkey’s influence in Syria is also significant. The country has contributed to training and equipping new Syrian security forces, funded education, healthcare, and electricity projects, and provided a de facto currency across northwestern Syria. These efforts are largely driven by Turkey’s interest in managing its own security situation, particularly its fight against Kurdish separatist groups.
The lifting of sanctions opens up opportunities for future investment in Syria, but also poses challenges. Turkey is trying to regulate maritime jurisdiction in the eastern Mediterranean through an agreement with Syria, but the plan is stalled due to European Union support for Greece’s position on Cyprus.
The US decision showcases how small-to-middle powers like Turkey can chart their own course in international affairs. With the decline of superpower influence, these nations are now taking center stage in shaping regional and global policies.
Source: https://theconversation.com/trumps-lifting-of-syria-sanctions-is-a-win-for-turkey-too-pointing-to-outsized-role-middle-powers-can-play-in-regional-affairs-254162