Trump Lifts All Sanctions on Syria: A Bold New Chapter in Middle East Politics

President Trump's surprise announcement to lift all sanctions on Syria sent shockwaves through the international community. The move, announced at the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum in Riyadh on May 13, 2025, came after the collapse of the Assad regime following a 13-year civil war. "The sanctions were brutal and crippling and served as an important function," Trump stated, "But now it’s their time to shine." This decision, made in consultation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy toward Syria. The new Syrian president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, a former rebel commander with a controversial past, is expected to meet with President Trump in Riyadh. The lifting of sanctions raises questions about the long-term implications for regional stability and the future of Syria.