Trump meets Syria's interim president after pledging to lift sanctions

Published: Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 9:06 am

Trump Lifts Sanctions on Syria, Meets Interim President in Saudi Arabia

President Donald Trump made a significant move this week, announcing the lifting of U.S. sanctions against Syria during a visit to Saudi Arabia. This decision, met with applause at a Saudi investment forum, was followed by a private meeting with Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

The sanctions, imposed over the past two decades, primarily targeted the regime of Bashar al-Assad. However, they remained in place even after Assad's departure following a lightning campaign led by al-Sharaa and his coalition. Trump's decision to remove these restrictions, which had crippled Syria's economy and hindered international investment, was hailed by Syria's foreign minister as "pivotal" for rebuilding the war-torn nation.

During their meeting, Trump encouraged al-Sharaa to normalize relations with Israel by joining the Abraham Accords and urged him to combat terrorism. The White House released an image of the meeting, though reporters were excluded.

The lifting of sanctions opens the door for potential investment from Gulf states, eager to tap into Syria's oil and mineral reserves. This move could also prevent Syria from relying on Russia, which had previously allied with the Assad regime. Al-Sharaa has been actively working to ease international concerns, touring the Arab world and meeting with leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron, who also supports easing sanctions. He has also hinted at friendly ties with Israel, which has been conducting airstrikes inside Syria.

BNN's Perspective: While lifting sanctions could provide much-needed economic relief and potentially foster stability in Syria, it's crucial to monitor the situation closely. The removal of sanctions on a leader with a complex past, and the potential for increased influence from Gulf states, requires careful consideration. The focus should remain on ensuring a stable, inclusive government that protects all Syrian citizens, and that the economic benefits reach the people.

Keywords: Trump, Syria, sanctions, Ahmed al-Sharaa, Saudi Arabia, Bashar al-Assad, Abraham Accords, Israel, Russia, economy, investment, civil war, Middle East, foreign policy, politics, international relations.

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