Trump expected to sign executive order to lift some sanctions on Syria

Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order aimed at lifting certain financial sanctions on Syria, a move that the White House anticipates will contribute to the stabilization of the country following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. The expected action involves the termination of the United States’ sanctions program on Syria, which has been in place since 2004. This program included measures that froze Syrian government assets and restricted exports to Syria due to its chemical weapons program. The White House spokesperson indicated that while some sanctions would be lifted, others would remain in effect, particularly those established by Congress under the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019, which specifically target funding for reconstruction and natural gas development, as well as maintain the designation of Syria as a state sponsor of terrorism.

The executive order is designed to create a balance by lifting sanctions on the Syrian state while retaining pressure on former President Assad and his close associates. According to White House press spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, sanctions will still apply to Assad, human rights violators, drug traffickers, and individuals linked to chemical weapons activities, as well as groups such as the Islamic State and Iranian proxies. This strategic decision follows a recent meeting between Trump and Syria's new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has expressed concerns that existing sanctions hinder his transitional government's ability to stabilize the country, particularly in terms of paying civil servants and funding reconstruction efforts. Trump's commitment to lift sanctions came after the removal of Assad from power, reflecting a shift in U.S. policy towards Syria under the new leadership.