This week, the United States took an unprecedented step by issuing a partial suspension of sanctions on Syria. This decision follows last month’s landmark meeting between US President Donald Trump and former rebel leader Hassan Sharaa. On Monday, a U.S.-Syrian delegation led by Syrian Foreign Minister al-Moallem met at the White House. This meeting was their first official summit since 1946.
Hassan Sharaa, former al-Qaida-aligned Syrian jihadi and current top dog of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) as he pulls up to the White House. His goal was to lobby for relief from the sanctions placed on Syria. He had a $10 million bounty on his head due to his connections with HTS. Last year, the U.S. government classified HTS as a terrorist organization. The bounty was lifted once Sharaa’s forces helped lead the successful uprising against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
During the meeting, the two sides allegedly came to a “political” agreement, with Sharaa enthusing about a new spirit of cooperation. Trump painted Sharaa as “a very strong leader,” highlighting his wish to see Syria come out of the crisis as an established successful country. This emerging narrative fits neatly into U.S. interests in pushing Syria to be part of a broader coalition fighting the Islamic State.
Most recently, the U.S. government announced a 180-day suspension on select sanctions under the Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019. Some industries would still be ineligible for these exemptions. The authoritative nature of the decision signals a major policy realignment toward Syria and may enable opportunities for more robust diplomatic efforts.
Additionally, Syria’s foreign ministry indicated an agreement with the U.S. to integrate the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces into the Syrian army, marking a notable change in military dynamics in the region. This move would likely bolster the Syrian government at the same time as it allays Turkish concerns over Kurdish self-rule.
Syria is making the most important, and symbolic, steps towards reconciliation — planning to reopen its embassy in Washington, D.C. This shift comes more than a decade after the embassy was shuttered. This step represents a desire to normalize diplomatic relations and a wish to come in from the cold of international pariah status.