REPLAY: Trump meets with Syria's al-Sharaa
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he thought he would remove Syria from the United States' list of designated state sponsors of terrorism during a meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sh
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he thought he would remove Syria from the United States' list of designated state sponsors of terrorism d
Read Full Story at France 24 →Why This Matters
The potential removal of Syria from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism would mark a seismic shift in Middle Eastern geopolitics, signaling a thaw in relations after decades of hostility. For Syria, it could unlock critical reconstruction aid and reintegration into global financial systems, while for the U.S., it may serve as a strategic concession to further its interests in the region.
Background Context
Syria has been on the U.S. terrorism list since 1979, a designation tied to its support for groups like Hezbollah and its role in the 2003 Iraq War. Diplomatic ties have remained frozen since the 2011 civil war, though recent reports of backchannel negotiations suggest a pragmatic shift in both capitals. The Trump administration’s regional focus has increasingly prioritized countering Iran, which may be influencing this potential realignment.
What Happens Next
If Syria is removed from the list, expect immediate reactions from regional players like Israel, Turkey, and Gulf states, all of whom have competing interests in Damascus. The move could also revive debates in Washington over the efficacy of sanctions and the balance between human rights concerns and strategic realpolitik. Legal and bureaucratic hurdles, however, may delay any immediate policy shifts.
Bigger Picture
This potential development reflects a broader pattern of the U.S. recalibrating its approach to the Middle East, favoring pragmatic engagements over ideological confrontations. It also underscores how regional conflicts—particularly the proxy war between Iran and Saudi Arabia—are reshaping alliances in ways that defy traditional Cold War-era alignments.
