Trump Lifts US Sanctions on Syria and Announces a New Beginning for Reconstruction

President Donald Trump signed an executive order today, Monday, ending the legal framework for US sanctions imposed on Syria, originally aimed at punishing the Bashar al-Assad regime, but over time became an obstacle to the country's recovery after years of war and destruction.

The executive order takes effect starting Tuesday, canceling the national emergency declaration regarding Syria issued in 2004, along with five other executive orders that formed the basis of US sanctions on Damascus, according to "Al-Monitor".

This decision comes after Trump's announcement on May 13th of his intention to lift all sanctions, following his meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Shar'a, in the presence of the Saudi Crown Prince, as a clear indication of a radical change in Washington's approach towards the Syrian state.

US Special Envoy to Syria Thomas Barak affirmed that the executive order represents a "comprehensive opportunity to restart the Syrian economy," adding: "The President and Secretary of State are not seeking to build a state, but are giving Syrians a new opportunity."

However, sanctions remain in place on Bashar al-Assad and his close associates, as well as individuals involved in human rights violations, terrorism, or drug trafficking. Syria's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism imposed in 1979 has not been lifted, with a continued review of this classification by the US administration.

Furthermore, the "Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act" remains in effect, a law that imposed wide-ranging financial sanctions on the Assad regime.

Recently, the Trump administration granted a six-month waiver from the law, with a general license allowing transactions that were previously prohibited, including dealing with the Central Bank of Syria and government institutions.

Observers believe that the repeal of the Caesar Act may be achieved through an amendment to the US National Defense Authorization Act by the end of the year, after members of both parties introduced a bill on this matter in Congress.