Trump Lifts Sanctions On Syria In Deal With Ex-Jihadist Leader

In a dramatic shift in U.S. foreign policy, President Donald Trump on Monday signed an executive order lifting most sanctions on Syria, paving the way for normalized relations with the war-torn nation’s new leadership including former jihadist and current President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

The executive order, Providing for the Revocation of Syria Sanctions, is set to take effect January 1. It suspends long-standing economic and diplomatic restrictions, while preserving targeted sanctions on human rights abusers, terror affiliates, and Iran-backed proxies.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised the move, stating, “These actions reflect the President’s vision of fostering a new relationship between the United States and a Syria that is stable, unified, and at peace with itself and its neighbors.”

Sharaa’s past raises serious questions:

• Until 2024, Sharaa had a $10 million bounty on his head for terrorism-related activity and alleged ties to Al-Qaeda and ISIS.

• He led the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in December with the backing of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a U.S.-designated terrorist organization.

• Rubio confirmed he is reviewing HTS’s Foreign Terrorist Organization designation, signaling potential removal.

Despite his controversial background, Sharaa has tried to rebrand himself as a moderate. He’s offered normalization with Israel, oil and gas access for the U.S., and even floated a Trump Tower in Damascus proposals that appear to have resonated with the Trump administration.

“He’s got a real shot at holding it together,” Trump said, praising Sharaa after meeting him during a recent visit to the Gulf. “A young attractive guy with a very strong past.”

Though sanctions against Assad and known war criminals remain intact, the administration is betting that a reformed Syria under Sharaa could stabilize the region and push back against Iranian influence.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt explained, “This is in an effort to promote and support the country’s path to stability and peace... while maintaining sanctions on ISIS, Al-Qaeda affiliates, and Iranian proxies.”

Still, Sharaa’s history and intent remain suspect. He is reportedly planning to impose strict sharia law and has been accused of grave human rights violations. Critics argue that legitimizing a former terrorist leader undermines the credibility of American foreign policy and could backfire if Sharaa’s regime turns hostile or reverts to its extremist roots.

But the Trump administration views the move as a geopolitical calculation opening the door to energy deals, real estate opportunities, and a potential diplomatic breakthrough in the Middle East.

It’s a gamble. But it’s Trump’s gamble.

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