Damascus,Syria – President Donald Trump announced Syria's removal from U.S . state sponsors of terrorism list, stirring hopes across Syria. Years of crippling sanctions might finally ease. For some, this decision represents a glimmer of change for nation long battered by conflict.
Four decades under al-Assad rule were marked by oppression,civil strife. Hafez al-Assad led from 1971 to 2000; then Bashar until 2024. U.S. and other sanctions hampered Syria's global economic engagement, causing widespread hardship.
Even after Bashar al-Assad's fall in December 2024,many sanctions stayed,including the terrorism sponsor label. This complicated Syria's international reintegration, blocking financial transactions,limiting online access.
Damascus business owners hope this change might revive the economy. Ihab,a pastry shop owner, said, “God willing,it will improve things.” Lifting sanctions tied to terrorism designation could attract long-absent foreign investment.
The World Bank noted sanctions since 2011 slashed exports, widened trade deficit. Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who took over post-Assad,sees lifting sanctions as key to economic recovery.
Al-Sharaa distanced himself from his past with Nusra Front. His administration gained international trust,tackling ISIL (ISIS). Many sanctions against Syria dropped,but terrorism list label lingered as a major hurdle.
Original designation dates to 1979 under Hafez al-Assad for backing Palestinian militants. More sanctions followed for torture,chemical weapons use. Some rebels sanctioned for al-Qaeda ties.
In May 2025, Trump hinted at lifting many sanctions in a Riyadh meeting with al-Sharaa. Experts say dropping from terrorism list is vital for Syria's international economic re-entry. Rob Geist Pinfold from King’s College London noted it could remove major obstacles for global banks,companies.
But Pinfold warned removal doesn't mean instant investment. Other challenges loom, including government stability, ISIL threats .
Some Syrians skeptical about immediate impact. A Damascus minimarket owner said, “You can’t sleep and wake up and expect change.” Economic struggles, rising costs, fuel shortages persist.
Yet hope flickers. Zaher, a juice stall operator, noticed better electricity but knows change takes time. “It took God Almighty six days to create Earth,” he said, nodding to gradual progress.
As Syrians navigate economic uncertainty,recent developments hint at a shift. Optimism mingles with caution; lifting terrorism designation might finally reopen global economic doors for Syria…
