Maps
Magazine

WORLD NEWS

Trump Lifts Sanctions on Syria in Major Policy Shift; Pakistan Welcomes Move as Boost for Peace
In a bold foreign policy move, US President Trump lifts sanctions on Syria 🇸🇾 during his Gulf tour. Pakistan welcomes the shift, calling it a step toward peace, recovery, and sovereignty.
ND
by News Desk
2025-05-15
Trump Lifts Sanctions on Syria in Major Policy Shift; Pakistan Welcomes Move as Boost for Peace

During his high-profile Gulf tour, US President Donald Trump met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on Wednesday and announced a significant reversal in American foreign policy: the lifting of decades-long sanctions on Syria.

This move, despite internal concerns within US administration circles over Syria’s past links to extremist groups, marks a dramatic departure from longstanding US posture towards the war-torn nation.

Speaking in Riyadh on Tuesday, President Trump framed the decision as a step toward encouraging peace and regional stability:

“We believe this is the time to turn the page. Syria deserves the chance to rebuild.”

The shift is expected to pave the way for economic recovery, international investment, and improved access to essential services in Syria.

🇵🇰 Pakistan Welcomes US Decision

Reacting to the development, Pakistan’s Foreign Office released a statement on Wednesday commending the US move:

“Pakistan has consistently advocated for constructive engagement and dialogue. The easing of sanctions is expected to facilitate economic growth, improve access to essential services, and support the rebuilding efforts of the Syrian authorities.”

Reaffirming Islamabad’s stance on Syria’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, the FO further stated:

“Pakistan supports a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned resolution.”

It also acknowledged the role of other regional and global powers:

“We commend the commitment of all countries, in particular the US, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, working constructively towards a peaceful Syria.”

🔁 Historical Context: From Assad to Sharaa

Syria has been under US sanctions since being designated a "State Sponsor of Terrorism" in 1979. Sanctions were expanded in 2004 and tightened significantly after the 2011 civil war, particularly targeting the Bashar al-Assad regime.

President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who rose to power after the ouster of Assad in December 2024, has struggled to consolidate control over the country amid deep political fractures and militant resistance. The lifting of US sanctions offers a major political boost to his administration.

Notably, Al-Sharaa was once linked to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the US. The Trump administration had previously offered a $10 million reward for his capture before his political realignment.

🌐 Regional Implications

Analysts believe the move signals a broader geopolitical recalibration in the Middle East, possibly opening avenues for reconstruction partnerships and reducing Russian and Iranian influence in Syrian affairs.

The announcement follows recent collaborative efforts between the US, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar in stabilizing post-conflict regions, especially in Syria’s north.

With global powers now inching toward engagement over isolation, the coming months could be pivotal for Syria’s future — and for the region at large.
Tagged:

PakistanForeignPolicy

USTrumpPolicy

SyriaSanctions
Share News: