Trump Flips the Switch on Syria

In a sweeping shift in U.S. foreign policy, President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order lifting a significant portion of financial sanctions on Syria.

The move, which the White House describes as a strategic step toward stabilizing the war-torn nation after the fall of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad, marks a notable departure from nearly two decades of U.S. pressure on Damascus.

The announcement came from the White House on Monday, June 30, 2025, where officials confirmed plans to revoke a 2004 sanctions program.

This program had frozen Syrian government assets and imposed strict export controls in response to Syria’s use of chemical weapons and support for militant groups.

However, not all restrictions will be eliminated.

Key sanctions passed by Congress under the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019 will remain in place.

These specifically target sectors such as reconstruction and energy development, as well as individuals and groups associated with human rights abuses, war crimes, and terrorism.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified the administration’s position during a Monday briefing:

“The executive order will lift broad economic sanctions against Syria’s current transitional government, but maintain maximum pressure on Bashar al-Assad, his inner circle, and others complicit in past atrocities, including those involved in chemical warfare, drug trafficking, and terrorism.”

A New Era in Syrian Politics

The decision follows a brief but symbolically powerful meeting between Trump and Syria’s newly appointed leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa.

He assumed power after rebel forces overthrew Assad’s regime in December.

Sharaa, a former military commander, is now tasked with steering Syria through one of the most fragile transitions in its modern history.

In recent weeks, Sharaa has publicly criticized the lingering U.S. sanctions.

He argued that they are hampering his government’s ability to pay civil servants, rebuild critical infrastructure, and attract foreign aid and investment.

Trump had previously signaled his willingness to ease sanctions.

In a May speech, he stated that “with Assad gone, the Syrian people deserve a real chance at peace and rebuilding,” adding that sanctions would be lifted to encourage “a fresh start.”

The administration hopes that easing financial restrictions will provide the new Syrian leadership with breathing room to stabilize the country, restore basic services, and regain public trust.

The executive order is also seen as a way to encourage international partners to re-engage with Syria and assist in reconstruction.

A Cautious Rollback

Despite the headline-making policy reversal, experts say the sanctions rollback is more surgical than sweeping.

The Caesar Act, which passed with strong bipartisan support in 2019, still prohibits U.S. and foreign entities from doing business with sectors linked to human rights abuses or benefiting from wartime destruction.

Additionally, Syria remains designated by the U.S. State Department as a state sponsor of terrorism, a label that carries its own set of automatic restrictions on aid, arms sales, and financial dealings.

In other words, while some barriers are being lifted, others remain firmly in place.

Reactions Split

International and domestic reactions to Trump’s move have been mixed.

Supporters of the executive order argue that it’s a practical step toward rebuilding Syria and re-integrating it into the international system after years of chaos.

“You can’t stabilize a country with one hand tied behind its back,” said a European diplomat familiar with Syria’s reconstruction efforts.

Critics, however, warn that lifting sanctions too soon could backfire if remnants of Assad’s regime remain active or if Sharaa fails to bring lasting reform.

Some human rights groups worry that without strong enforcement mechanisms, sanctioned individuals could find loopholes and re-enter the economic system under new guises.

Others express concern about the geopolitical message the U.S. is sending, especially to allies in the region.

“Washington needs to be careful not to look like it’s rewarding bad behavior or compromising on accountability,” said a former U.S. diplomat who worked on Syria policy during the Obama administration.

Looking Ahead

As Syria attempts to rebuild after more than a decade of civil war and dictatorship, the road to recovery remains uncertain.

Trump’s executive order could mark a pivotal moment, one that either helps usher in a new era of stability or reignites debates about justice, accountability, and the cost of diplomacy.

Much will now depend on whether Syria’s new leadership can deliver on its promises of reform and reconciliation, and whether the international community is willing to bet on its fragile future.

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