President Donald Trump’s meeting with Syria’s president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, in Saudi Arabia signaled a potential normalization of ties between the US and Syria, following the lifting of all US sanctions on Syria. The meeting, which took place before a Gulf Cooperation Council conference, aimed to strengthen US relations with Gulf allies for investments. Key figures present included the Saudi crown prince, the US secretary of state, and the Syrian foreign minister.

During the meeting, Trump urged Sharaa to deport Palestinian terrorists, sign the Abraham accords for normalization with Israel, and cooperate in the fight against Islamic State. The decision to lift sanctions was motivated by a desire to give Syria a fresh start and end its isolation. This move marked a significant shift as the Trump administration had previously been hesitant to engage with Sharaa due to his militant background.

The meeting laid the groundwork for potential future cooperation between the US and Syria, with discussions planned between US and Syrian officials. Syria, along with its Turkish and Saudi allies, viewed face-to-face interaction with Trump as crucial to ending its international isolation. The lifting of sanctions, despite Israeli concerns, aimed to reintegrate Syria into the global economic system and boost its post-war recovery efforts.

In Damascus, the announcement of the end of sanctions was met with jubilation, reflecting the country’s eagerness to rebuild and stabilize after years of conflict. The move is seen as a pivotal turning point for Syria’s future, offering opportunities for stability, self-sufficiency, and national reconstruction. Despite challenges, the lifting of sanctions is a hopeful step towards economic recovery and rebuilding efforts in war-torn Syria.