US removes Syria from terror sponsor list

The United States has officially removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, a designation that has long complicated investments and financial transactions in the war-torn nation. The U.S. Treasury Department announced the decision on Monday, marking a significant shift in policy.

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Today's decision will help promote further investment in Syria and thereby strengthen political and economic stability.

Syria has been on the list for decades, facing restrictions on American development aid, defense exports, and certain financial dealings. The move is expected to pave the way for increased investment, which officials believe will bolster the country's political and economic stability. "Today's decision will help promote further investment in Syria and thereby strengthen political and economic stability," stated U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, according to AFP.

The decision follows a review process that included congressional scrutiny. Earlier statements from U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, indicated that lifting the sanctions would open doors for international trade and investment, offering Syria a chance to rebuild and begin a new chapter. This policy shift reportedly gained momentum after a meeting between then-President Donald Trump and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa during a NATO summit.

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the lifting of sanctions against Syria will open up international trade and investment.

Ahmed al-Sharaa previously led the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which ousted the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. HTS has roots in Jabhat al-Nusra, an al-Qaeda affiliate, and HTS itself was removed from the U.S. terror list in July of the previous year. The article notes that the decision to remove Syria from the terror list was first announced in July but required congressional approval.

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give Syria a chance to rebuild and open a new chapter.