In a surprising shift in diplomatic strategy, former President Donald Trump has indicated that his administration is considering the normalization of relations with Syria. This revelation follows a significant meeting with Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has been pivotal in ending the Assad family’s long-standing rule.
Significance of the Meeting
The meeting, which lasted 37 minutes at a lavish royal palace in Riyadh, marked a notable moment in US-Syria relations, something that seemed almost impossible just months earlier. Trump commented on Sharaa, stating,
“I think he has got the potential,”
reflecting on the potential for a new political landscape in Syria.
Video footage from the gathering revealed initial awkwardness as the two leaders communicated through a translator, with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman present alongside them. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also participated via telephone. Trump credited these leaders for influencing his decision to lift stringent US sanctions on Syria, a move that garnered a standing ovation at a major investment forum in Riyadh.
Implications for Syria and Its People
Describing Sharaa as a “tough guy, very strong past,” Trump emphasized the former fighter’s complex history, including past ties to Al-Qaeda. Sharaa, who has since distanced himself from terrorism, is now presenting himself as a leader for all Syrians. Hind Kabawat, the minister of social affairs in the interim government, expressed optimism, stating,
“It’s a new light at the end of this tunnel,”
as the prospect of sanctions relief seems to invigorate hopes for a better future.
The lifting of sanctions holds the promise of reintegration into the international financial system, which could enhance the efforts of aid agencies and attract foreign investments. The potential economic relief comes as many Syrians face dire conditions, with reports indicating that around 90% of the population is living in poverty due to over a decade of civil conflict.
While some sanctions may be removed through presidential waivers, experts caution that the process of wholly dismantling the complex sanctions framework will be arduous. Dina Esfandiary from Bloomberg Economics noted that achieving meaningful change would require a genuine commitment from the Trump administration.
Sharaa’s administration is reportedly open to normalizing relations with Israel and joining the Abraham Accords, contingent upon favorable conditions. This shift underscores the changing dynamics in the region, as regional powers like Saudi Arabia and Turkey seek to influence Syria’s future.
As Trump regards this diplomatic overture as a significant opportunity for greatness, many Syrians remain hopeful that this newfound dialogue could herald a turning point in their daily lives.