Trump Meets Ahmed al-Shara After Vowing to Lift Sanctions on Syria

In a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, President Donald Trump announced the lifting of all sanctions imposed on Syria, stating, “They have endured enough disasters, wars, and killing.” This decision marks a pivotal moment in the Middle East, as the United States seeks to normalize relations with Syria’s new leadership under President Ahmed al-Sharaa. (time.com)

President al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani and once a high-ranking al-Qaeda militant, has undergone a dramatic transformation from a jihadi insurgent to Syria’s new leader. His rise to power followed the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. Al-Sharaa has pledged to build a peaceful, inclusive Syria and eliminate Iranian influence, signaling a potential shift in regional dynamics. (apnews.com)

During his Middle East tour, President Trump met with al-Sharaa in Riyadh, marking the first meeting between American and Syrian heads of state since 2000. The meeting, facilitated by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, signals a potential normalization of diplomatic relations. (ft.com)

In addition to diplomatic engagements, President Trump visited Qatar, where he was given a lavish welcome. During his visit, Qatar Airways signed an agreement to purchase up to 210 Boeing jets, valued at approximately $96 billion. This deal is part of a series of commercial agreements totaling $243.5 billion, including defense contracts and investments in infrastructure. (elpais.com)

The lifting of sanctions is expected to have a profound impact on Syria’s economy, which has been severely affected by 14 years of civil war and international sanctions. The country’s economy is now valued around $21 billion, significantly down from pre-war levels, with over 90% of the population living in poverty. The local currency has plummeted from 47 Syrian pounds to the dollar in 2011 to over 11,000, and black market rates were even worse during late 2024. Public financial reserves are depleted, with just $200 million in foreign currency and $2.6 billion in gold. National debt estimates range from $20 billion to possibly over $50 billion due to obligations to allies like Iran and Russia, much of which could be deemed illegitimate war debt. Exports fell dramatically from $18.4 billion in 2010 to $1.8 billion in 2021, while the captagon drug trade filled some financial gaps. Syria lost oil revenue and now relies on sporadic imports from Russia and Iran. The agricultural sector also collapsed due to conflict and drought. Efforts are underway to recover frozen assets and stabilize the currency. (reuters.com)

While the lifting of sanctions offers hope for Syria’s economic recovery, challenges remain. Al-Sharaa faces formidable obstacles, including economic devastation, sectarian divisions, and ongoing violence. Recent sectarian clashes and Israeli airstrikes have further destabilized the nation. Despite forming a transitional government and initiating investigations into unrest, critics argue his reforms are superficial and hint at authoritarian tendencies. While al-Sharaa’s rise offers hope of renewal, his leadership remains under scrutiny amid Syria’s fragile recovery. (apnews.com)

As the situation unfolds, the international community watches closely, hopeful that these diplomatic efforts will lead to lasting peace and stability in the region.