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Trump ends Syria sanctions ahead of meeting with new regime

​Syrians set off fireworks during celebrations in Clock Square in the center of Idlib city, after US President Donald Trump's decision to lift sanctions on Syria.

Syrians set off fireworks during celebrations in Clock Square in the center of Idlib city, after US President Donald Trump's decision to lift sanctions on Syria.

DPA / Picture Alliance
Riley Callanan
By Riley CallananMay 13, 2025
Riley Callanan

Riley is a writer and reporter for GZERO. When she isn’t writing about global politics, you can find her making GZERO’s crossword puzzles, conducting research on American politics, or persisting in her lifelong quest to learn French. Riley spends her time outside of work grilling, dancing, and wearing many hats (both literally and figuratively).

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US President Donald Trump announced that he will lift sanctions on Damascus ahead of his meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on Wednesday, to help the country “move forward” from its devastating civil war.

Turning a new leaf: Deposed dictator Bashar al-Assad had long been sanctioned for terrorism and human rights abuses. Syria’s new leadership has pushed for those restrictions to end, as they further crippled the Levantine country’s war-ravaged economy.

Why it matters: Trump’s decision paves the way for other Western countries to follow suit.
donald trumpsanctionssyrian presidentus president

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