US President Donald Trump announced lifting sanctions on Syria during his Middle East trip, sparking a policy shift that could reshape the region. The move marked a significant departure from previous US stances and caught some officials off guard.
The decision to lift sanctions was months in the making, with administration officials engaging in quiet talks with Syrians in the government for several months. These discussions centered on cooperation on counterterrorism and destroying remaining chemical weapons as part of a framework for sanctions lifting.
Syria’s new government, led by Abdulhamid al-Sharaa, has been touted as a more inclusive and peaceful alternative to the previous regime. However, not everyone is convinced. White House counterterrorism chief Sebastian Gorka expressed skepticism about Sharaa’s past as a jihadist fighter, calling him “Jolani.”
The US has now nominated Rayburn to head the Middle East portfolio for the State Department, despite doubts from some experts about his suitability due to his own ties to the Syrian regime. Rubio cautioned that a normalized relationship with the new government will not happen overnight.
As the Trump administration moves forward with implementing this policy, concerns are growing about the complexities of building an economy in Syria. Some advocate for lifting US export controls on Syria to allow US shipments into the country.
While Rubio acknowledged that progress may be slow, he emphasized the potential benefits of this historic opportunity.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/17/politics/syria-sanctions-scramble-trump