US Lifts Syria Sanctions

May 25, 2025

Syria faces fragile reconstruction path despite sanctions relief. On Friday, the U.S. Treasury Department issued a general license authorizing financial transactions with the interim Syrian government, the central bank, and state-owned enterprises. The measure includes a 180-day waiver under the Caesar Act, a U.S. law that sanctions the former Syrian government, including former President Bashar al-Assad


The Trump administration’s recent decision to ease longstanding sanctions on Syria has sparked cautious optimism among Syrians and regional observers, with many viewing it as a potential turning point in the country’s arduous path toward recovery after more than a decade of conflict. On Friday, the U.S. Treasury Department issued a general license authorizing financial transactions with the interim Syrian government, the central bank, and state-owned enterprises. The measure includes a 180-day waiver under the Caesar Act, a U.S. law that sanctions the former Syrian government, including former President Bashar al-Assad. Following the announcement, Syria’s foreign affairs chief, Asaad al-Shibani, said on X that “more achievements” will take place in the coming months following Western decisions. He added, “Syria and its people deserve a great standing, a prosperous country, and representation worthy of them on the international stage.”

While the diplomatic gesture has generated a wave of hope, experts warn that the road to meaningful reconstruction and economic revival will be long and difficult. “For 14 years, sanctions have crippled every aspect of life-economic, political, and social. Even basic financial transactions were blocked. Families couldn’t send money to each other,” said Ibrahim Daraji, professor of international law at Damascus University. Daraji emphasized that sanctions had isolated Syria from both global markets and regional neighbors. “The feeling was that we were the world’s forgotten people,” he said. “Lifting the sanctions is a first step, not a magic wand.”

Ghassan Hitto, CEO of the Syrian Forum — a Türkiye-based non-governmental charity, stressed the scale of destruction left by the conflict: more than 3 million housing units and 9,600 schools were destroyed, and over 2 million people remain internally displaced in northern Syria, with millions more abroad. While the easing of sanctions could pave the way for job creation and investment, Hitto warned of the deep challenges ahead. “We’re talking about a country where 90 percent of the population lives below the poverty line.”
Economists also noted that sanction relief is only one piece of a complex puzzle.

“Economic recovery won’t be easy,” said Hiyam Ali, an economic analyst. “Syria’s economy is devastated. What we need now is a full economic overhaul, a modern investment law, and integration into the global banking system,” she told Xinhua. Ali underscored the need for swift legal and institutional reforms.

“We must attract foreign capital by ensuring freedom of financial flows and strengthening the investment climate. That includes protecting domestic industries and launching unconventional infrastructure projects in energy and transportation,” she said.

She added that Syria’s strategic geographic location could become a major asset. “If used correctly, Syria’s position can become an investment magnet.”

The easing of U.S. sanctions followed diplomatic talks involving Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, both of which have advocated for Syria’s reintegration into the regional fold.

Trump’s recent announcement in Riyadh reportedly came after conversations with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who view Syria’s recovery as key to broader regional stability.

On the ground, Syrians are watching closely, hopeful that this policy shift will mark the beginning of something they’ve long yearned for: a return to normalcy, for starters.

Previous Story

Operation Sindhoor – A Global Call to End Terror”

Next Story

Children die as USAID aid cuts snap a lifeline

Latest from -Top News

Sisi, MBZ cement ties

UAE and Egypt bolster ties through high-level talks in Abu Dhabi and a landmark cardiac care initiative delivering lifesaving treatment to rural

70,000 Gaza kids starve

WFP warned that any further escalation of conflict could paralyse relief operations altogether, deepening the plight of civilians—especially children, the elderly, and

Prayers on the Mount

The Day of Arafat, considered the pinnacle of the Hajj pilgrimage, witnessed a congregation of believers from around the world As the

EID MUBARAK!

UAE marks Eid Al Adha with housing support, children’s gifts, pardons, and cultural celebrations, reflecting a national spirit of compassion, unity, and