In a dramatic policy reversal, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the lifting of sanctions on Syria during his Middle East tour on May 13, followed by a landmark meeting with Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa on the next day, marking the first U.S.-Syria leaders' summit in 25 years. The move has sparked intense backlash in Washington and risks further complicating regional dynamics, as Assad remains designated a "terrorist" by the U.S. government.
Unprecedented diplomatic thaw
The 33-minute trilateral meeting in Riyadh—attended by Trump, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Ahmed al-Sharaa, with Turkish President Erdogan joining via phone—focused on Syrian sovereignty and regional security. Assad reportedly thanked Trump for ending sanctions, while U.S., Syrian, and Turkish diplomats agreed to discuss implementation details in Turkey on May 15.
- Sanctions Timeline: The U.S. first imposed sanctions on Syria in 1979 over terrorism allegations, escalating them during Syria's civil war (2011–present).
- Assad's Overtures: The Syrian leader, who took power in January after his faction toppled the previous regime, has actively sought U.S. backing, offering oil/gas contracts and even proposing a "Trump Tower Damascus." Trump praised Assad as a charismatic strongman and hinted at eventual Syria-Israel normalization.
Domestic firestorm and geopolitical gambles
The decision has exposed deep rifts within the U.S. establishment:
- Republican Pushback: Senator Lindsey Graham insisted Congress must approve sanction relief.
- Administration Split: The State Department advocates engagement to counter Russian/Iranian influence, while the NSC remains distrustful of Assad.
Regional reactions are equally fraught:
- Saudi Arabia seized the moment to bolster its regional leadership role.
- Israel, excluded from Trump's itinerary, conducted airstrikes on Syrian bases amid Assad's outreach. Analysts view Trump's move as further "marginalizing" Israel, though he claimed it "ultimately benefits them."
Qatar deal sweetener
Trump's next stop in Doha yielded a US$200 billion Boeing deal (160 aircraft) with Qatar Airways, alongside talks on mediating a Gaza ceasefire—even as Israeli bombings killed 80 Gazans on May 14 alone.
Trump's sanctions pivot signals a transactional Middle East policy prioritizing economic gains over counterterrorism principles, with unpredictable consequences for the region's Sunni-Shia divide and U.S. alliances.
(Source: Ta Kung Pao; English Editor: Darius)
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