The historic meeting between US President Donald Trump and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh on May 14, 2025, has sent shockwaves throughout the Middle East. This encounter, the first high-level meeting between the two nations in 25 years, has seemingly given al-Sharaa the US stamp of approval and signaled a significant shift in the Trump administration’s Syria policy.
A Change in Tone
Just months prior, in December 2024, Trump had expressed his disinterest in engaging with Syria, stating, “Syria is a mess, but is not our friend, & THE UNITED STATES SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT. LET IT PLAY OUT. DO NOT GET INVOLVED!” However, during a 48-minute address to the US-Saudi Investment Forum on May 13, 2025, Trump made a surprise announcement, declaring that the US would lift all sanctions on Syria. This move was reportedly influenced by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Implications of Sanctions Relief
The lifting of sanctions is expected to have far-reaching consequences for Syria, including:
- Unfreezing International Assets: Allowing Syria to regain access to its frozen assets and enabling foreign businesses to re-enter key sectors such as construction, energy, and trade.
- Improved Economic Prospects: Restoring Damascus’s access to global financial systems and credit, improving the flow of goods, medicine, and technology, and ultimately increasing job creation and easing inflationary pressures.
- Reconstruction and Recovery: Potentially kickstarting Syria’s reconstruction efforts and helping the country move towards a more hopeful future.
However, Trump’s administration faces challenges in implementing this policy, particularly in lifting Congressional sanctions, such as those imposed under the Caesar Act. These sanctions target entities that supported Assad and require Congressional approval to be repealed or amended.
Regional Dynamics
The meeting has also highlighted the crucial role played by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in facilitating the introduction and shaping the outcome. Saudi Arabia is now likely to make normalization with Israel conditional on Israel ceasing its military operations in Syria and withdrawing to the borders agreed in the 1974 disengagement agreements. This development has shifted the regional balance of power, potentially ending Israel’s quest for further integration into the region.
Risks and Challenges
While this move may have significant implications for the Middle East, there are risks involved, particularly if President Trump loses interest in Syria or if al-Sharaa’s government is overthrown by extremist factions. The situation demands careful consideration and a well-coordinated approach to avoid unintended consequences.
In conclusion, the meeting between Trump and al-Sharaa marks a significant turning point in US-Syria relations, with potential implications for the broader Middle East region. The success of this policy shift will depend on the commitment of Trump’s administration to follow through on its pledges and navigate the complex regional dynamics at play.