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.