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Syria's removal from US terror list matters for Israel, analysis shows

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Analysis Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • The US has formally removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, ending a 45-day congressional review period.
  • This move signals a significant shift in US-Syrian relations, moving from isolation to partnership and encouraging international investment in Syria's reconstruction.
  • The decision is seen as a potential green light for Gulf countries and other international actors to increase their engagement with Syria, which presents challenges for Israel.

The United States has officially removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, a move that signifies a fundamental change in bilateral relations. This decision follows a mandatory 45-day congressional review period after President Donald Trump's initial decision to rescind the designation.

historic milestone

— Tom BarrackUS ambassador to Turkey and special envoy to Syria and Iraq, praising the US decision to remove Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism.

US Ambassador to Turkey and special envoy to Syria and Iraq, Tom Barrack, hailed the move as a "historic milestone" and "a decisive step in Syria’s remarkable journey from isolation to partnership." He stated that the designation had served as a barrier to investment and opportunity for Syria's reconstruction, and its removal would allow "capital to replace conflict, enterprise to replace isolation, and commerce to continue to triumph over chaos."

The lifting of these restrictions impacts foreign assistance, defense exports, and financial transactions, although separate sanctions against individuals linked to the Assad regime remain. Additionally, Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, led by Syria's president Ahmed al-Sharaa, was removed from the US list of Specially Designated Global Terrorists. These actions suggest Washington no longer views Sharaa's government as provisional but is investing political capital in its stability and encouraging financial investment in the country's rebuilding.

another decisive step in Syria’s remarkable journey from isolation to partnership, and from a source of terrorism to a committed partner in the global fight against it.

— Tom BarrackUS ambassador to Turkey and special envoy to Syria and Iraq, describing the significance of removing Syria from the state sponsors of terrorism list.

By removing Syria from the list, which now only includes Iran, North Korea, and Cuba, the US is effectively inviting Damascus back into the international community and signaling that Syria is "open for business." This is expected to encourage other nations, particularly in the Gulf, to follow suit, as governments and companies previously hesitant due to the "state sponsor of terrorism" label will now have more political cover to invest. This development, however, presents a complex situation for Israel.

Today, another wall comes down. Capital can replace conflict, enterprise can replace isolation, and commerce can continue to triumph over chaos.

— Tom BarrackUS ambassador to Turkey and special envoy to Syria and Iraq, commenting on the impact of removing Syria from the state sponsors of terrorism list.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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