After leading rebels
against former President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, Al-Sharaa, 43, a
former member of al Qaeda, was chosen transitional president.
The US State Department
declared on Friday that he was no longer considered a Specially Designated
Global Terrorist. The Department of Treasury also declared that Syrian Interior
Minister Anas Khattab was being released from the same designation.
“These actions are being
taken in recognition of the progress demonstrated by the Syrian leadership
after the departure of Bashar al-Assad and more than 50 years of repression
under the Assad regime,”
reads the State Department announcement.
“This new Syrian
government, led by President al-Sharaa, is working hard to locate missing
Americans, fulfill its commitments on countering terrorism and narcotiscs,
eliminating any remnants of chemical weapons, and promoting regional security
and stability as well as an inclusive, Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political
process,”
the agency concluded.
On Monday, November 10,
Al-Sharaa is scheduled to meet with President Trump at the White House, making
history as the first Syrian president to visit the Oval Office.
Al-Sharaa made a good impression on Trump when
the two world leaders met in May while the commander in chief was in Riyadh,
Saudi Arabia.
“Tough guy. Strong past.
Very strong past. Fighter,”
Trump said immediately after meeting the former
al Qaeda leader.
“He’s got a real shot at holding it together.”
Trump removed all US
sanctions against Syria following that meeting.
When Al-Sharaa seemed to
flirt with reporter Margaret Brennan during a “60 Minutes” interview
last month, the internet went crazy.
What are the likely US policy goals behind lifting the sanctions?
Supporting Syria’s reconstruction and profitable recovery by
allowing the government access to frozen means and enabling fiscal transfers,
thereby fostering job creation and advancements in living norms.
Encouraging Syria’s reintegration into indigenous and
transnational fabrics of cooperation, including trade, political engagement,
and commerce with fiscal institutions like the IMF and World Bank. displacing
the US strategically in Syria and the region by responding to new political
realities, particularly after the fall of the Assad governance, with the end of
limiting Iranian and Russian influence.
Promoting a political terrain favorable to Western and indigenous
interests, encouraging governance reforms, and icing commitments on
counterterrorism, chemical munitions elimination, and indigenous security.
Creating a test phase to cover the new Syrian leadership’s performance, with
the possibility of reactivating warrants if progress on political and
institutional falters.
