Unprecedented Shift in Middle East Policy
WASHINGTON – In a surprising diplomatic turn, the United States has announced the temporary suspension of major sanctions against Syria following a pivotal meeting between US President Donald Trump and Syrian President Ahmed Al-Shara at the White House. This move is being hailed as an unprecedented breakthrough in relations after decades of severe strain.
According to Arab media reports, the two leaders engaged in detailed and constructive discussions concerning the restoration of bilateral ties, regional peace efforts, and the overall situation in the complex Middle East region. Following the encounter, President Trump made a notable comment, stating, “I liked the Syrian President; we want Syria to prosper because it is an important country in the Middle East.”
Immediately after this apparently constructive meeting, the US Treasury Department announced that sanctions imposed under the Caesar Act have been suspended for a period of six months. The Treasury Department justified the decision by stating it was made “for the revitalization of the Syrian economy and the welfare of its citizens,” raising hopes for improved humanitarian conditions across the war-torn country.
It is noteworthy that the Caesar Act, enacted in 2019, was primarily designed to exert maximum economic pressure on the previous Syrian government led by Bashar al-Assad and strictly prohibit US citizens from engaging in business with the Syrian government or its military. The temporary lifting of sanctions under this significant act, following a partial relaxation in June, marks a major diplomatic development that could signal the beginning of a new economic and political chapter for Syria.
