US President Donald Trump is gearing up to sign an executive order that will ease sanctions on Syria, potentially shaking up American policy towards the war-torn country. These sanctions have been in place since 2011, tightening over the years amid the brutal Syrian civil war. Recently, the US Treasury issued a broad license lifting many sanctions that restricted financial transactions for Syrian individuals and entities, including banks and oil companies. The State Department also approved a six-month exemption from sanctions under the Caesar Act, a 2020 law that heavily penalizes foreign companies doing business with Syria. While some restrictions are being relaxed, many sanctions remain, such as frozen assets of Syria’s central bank and limits on the largest telecom company. This move follows the appointment of former jihadist rebel leader Ahmed Alshara as Syria’s interim president, with Trump urging Syria to normalize relations with Israel and cooperate in counterterrorism efforts. The executive order is expected to be signed in the coming days, marking a significant shift in US policy. Is this the dawn of a new era or just another mess in American foreign policy? Feel free to share your thoughts — maybe it’s time we all ask what America really wants from Syria.
