Trump Admin Eases Syria Sanctions in Major Policy Shift/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Trump administration has begun easing long-standing U.S. sanctions on Syria, granting broad exemptions and signaling a shift in policy. The move aims to support Syria’s interim government and jumpstart reconstruction. Critics warn the relief is temporary and risky.
Trump Moves to Ease Syria Sanctions + Quick Looks
- U.S. grants Syria broad sanctions exemptions for six months.
- Trump aims to support Syria’s interim government under Ahmad al-Sharaa.
- Sanctions relief targets financial and trade restrictions, including those on the central bank.
- Critics warn of uncertainty for investors, as sanctions could return.
- Trump: “We’re taking them all off. Good luck, Syria.”
- Secretary Rubio demands policy reforms in exchange for relief.
- Three-phase plan proposed for full sanction removal.
- Future relief tied to controversial goals, including ties with Israel and expulsion of militant groups.
Trump Admin Eases Syria Sanctions in Major Policy Shift
Deep Look
WASHINGTON — In a dramatic shift in Middle East policy, the Trump administration on Friday announced sweeping exemptions to U.S. sanctions on Syria, in a move seen as a critical step toward normalizing relations with the war-torn country and supporting its new interim leadership under Ahmad al-Sharaa.
The move waives enforcement of parts of the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, a key set of sanctions passed in 2019 to isolate the regime of former President Bashar al-Assad, who was ousted last year after 13 years of civil war.
A Strategic Reset for Syria
“The only other option was Syria becoming a failed state,” said Mouaz Moustafa, a Syrian American advocate for humanitarian aid and political reform. “Now there is hope for a future democratic Syria.”
Friday’s decision includes:
- A six-month waiver issued by the State Department
- A Treasury Department suspension of enforcement on businesses engaging with Syrian individuals and institutions — including the central bank
The administration framed it as a chance for “a fresh start,” enabling economic recovery and political stability while staving off renewed violence.
“We’re taking them all off. Good luck, Syria. Show us something special,” said President Donald Trump, who met with interim leader al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia last week.
Skepticism and Conditional Trust
The relief, however, is not permanent. The six-month waiver leaves room for reversal or reimplementation, and many investors remain cautious about committing to reconstruction projects that may again fall under U.S. sanctions.
Critics highlight that al-Sharaa, once linked to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a former al-Qaida affiliate, remains a controversial figure. Though the group later distanced itself from terrorist networks, it is still classified as a terrorist organization by the U.S.
“If we engage them, it may work out, it may not,” said Secretary of State Marco Rubio. “If we do not, it’s guaranteed to fail.”
Rubio acknowledged the fragile state of Syria’s transition, suggesting that without swift support, the country could slip back into civil war and extremist resurgence.
Sanctions Roadmap: Three-Phase Relief Plan
Internal documents obtained by officials indicate a three-phase plan is under consideration. Each phase would bring increasing relief, with benchmarks for Syria’s new government to meet.
Phase 1:
- Immediate temporary relief (current waiver)
- Protection for investors against enforcement
Phase 2:
- Requires Syria to remove “Palestinian terror groups”
- Full control of Islamic State detention centers
- Integration of U.S.-backed Kurdish forces into the national military
Phase 3:
- Normalization with Israel through the Abraham Accords
- Verifiable destruction of remaining chemical weapons stockpiles
“Incremental,” Rubio told lawmakers when asked to describe the administration’s overall strategy.
The permanent lifting of sanctions, especially those enacted by Congress, would require legislative approval — something not guaranteed in a divided Washington.
Mixed Signals from the Region
Despite U.S. optimism, Israel remains skeptical. Since Assad’s removal, Israel has continued airstrikes inside Syrian territory and seized portions of the U.N.-buffered zone along the border.
Syrian officials have stated they wish to avoid conflict with Israel, but regional tensions remain high.
Economic and Humanitarian Stakes
Thirteen years of conflict have decimated Syria’s infrastructure, displaced over 12 million people, and left the economy in ruins. Experts estimate that tens of billions of dollars in investment will be needed to rebuild, most of it contingent on sanctions relief and political stability.
“Sanctions were never just about punishment. They were about leverage,” said a senior administration official, speaking anonymously. “Now we’re using that leverage.”
While critics warn that temporary waivers won’t instill long-term confidence, Trump officials insist this is just the beginning of dismantling what they call the “architecture of sanctions.”
You must Register or Login to post a comment.