Trump signs an executive order lifting sanctions against Syria

President Trump signed an executive order Monday ending long-running U.S. sanctions against Syria.

The order removes sanctions on Syria while maintaining sanctions on its former President Bashar al-Assad, his associates, human rights abusers, drug traffickers, persons linked to chemical weapons activities, ISIS or its affiliates, and Iranian proxies.

Mr. Trump said in the order that Syria’s new president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, has taken “positive actions” and the U.S. is “committed to supporting a Syria that is stable, unified, and at peace with itself and its neighbors.”

“A united Syria that does not offer a safe haven for terrorist organizations and ensures the security of its religious and ethnic minorities will support regional security and prosperity,” Mr. Trump wrote.

Mr. Trump had promised to lift sanctions during a face-to-face meeting with Mr. al-Sharaa in May, and had eased some sanctions last month. During his visit to the Middle East, Mr. Trump said he wanted to give Syria “a chance at greatness.”

Some analysts believe the new Syrian leader could help to reduce Iran’s influence in the region.

The order also directs Secretary of State Marco Rubio to evaluate suspending sanctions, either in whole or in part, if specific criteria are met, under the Caesar Act, a law that sanctions the Assad regime for atrocities. It also enables the loosening of export controls on certain goods and waives restrictions on certain foreign assistance to Syria.

Also, the Secretary is instructed to review Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham’s (HTS) designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization as well as review HTS and Ahmad al-Sharaa’s designations as Specially Designated Global Terrorists.

Syria’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism is also to be reviewed by the Secretary of State and the order directs the Secretary to explore avenues for sanctions relief at the United Nations to support stability in Syria.

“This is again an action that the president promised and shocked the world within Saudi Arabia because he’s committed to supporting a Syria that is stable, unified and at peace with itself and its neighbors,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said. “The president met with Syria’s new president when we were in the Middle East, and this is another promise made and promise kept by this president to promote peace and stability in the region.”

Mr. Trump said, “The sanctions were brutal and crippling and served as an important — really an important function — nevertheless, at the time. But now it’s their time to shine … So, I say, ‘Good luck, Syria.’ Show us something very special.”

The Treasury Department immediately began lifting sanctions on Syria by issuing a general license, known as GL25, to authorize transactions involving the interim Syrian government, its central bank, and state-owned enterprises.

At the same time, the State Department issued a 180-day waiver of sanctions under the Caesar Act.

The executive order comes at a time when the White House is expected to grow the Abraham Accords significantly.

The Abraham Accords is a 2020 agreement negotiated by the U.S. with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. As part of the agreements, the UAE and Bahrain recognized Israel’s sovereignty and established full diplomatic relations.

Syria is among several countries being eyed to join the coalition.

Mr. Trump had called on Mr. al-Sharaa to have his country join the Accords, but was unable to convince the Syrian president to do so at that time.