Trump Lifts Sanctions on Syria, Assad Not So Lucky
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Monday lifted sanctions against Syria, though his executive order stopped well short of easing pressure on former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
In signing the order, Trump said he hoped the move by the U.S. would promote the safety and prosperity of the Syrian people.
The order marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy with Syria dating back to 1979, when the U.S. designated the country a state sponsor of terrorism.
State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said sanctions will remain “on Bashar al-Assad, his associates, human rights abusers, drug traffickers, persons linked to chemical weapons activities, ISIS or its affiliates and Iranian proxies.”
The White House states these sanctions will remain due to the prior regime’s aggression toward Israel, orientation with Russia and Iran, and hostility toward the U.S.
The State Department has been directed to evaluate a full suspension of sanctions, so long as criteria are met under the Caesar Act — a law that disallows foreign businesses from entering into business that could aid the prior government.
The order also mandates the relaxation of export controls, waiving of foreign assistance restrictions, and solicits support from the UN to further sanctions relief in Syria.
Since May, Trump has put forth his desire to reach a stronger relationship with Syria by targeting US sanctions and condemning the Assad regime.
U.S. envoy to Syria Tom Barrack reopened the U.S. ambassador’s residence in Damascus in May. This has been regarded as a sign of “growing ties between Washington and the new Syrian government.”
The White House hopes the al-Sharaa government will place emphasis on counterterrorism initiatives, working to integrate Kurdish forces in Syria, generate widespread respect for minorities and pursue ties with Israel.
Israel has regarded Trump’s action as an opening to normalize ties with Syria, following prolonged hostilities between the two.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu communicated with Barrack earlier in June about working with Syria’s new government to reach a bilateral agreement.
This would be the first attempt at peace between the two countries since 2011.
Netanyahu hopes to “use momentum from the Trump-al-Sharaa meeting to start U.S.-mediated negotiations with Syria.”
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