US Lifts Terrorist Sanctions on Syrian President in Diplomatic Shift
In a significant policy reversal, the United States has removed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad from its global terrorist sanctions list. The move, announced late Tuesday, marks a potential thaw in US-Damascus relations after years of stringent sanctions over Assad’s alleged war crimes during Syria’s civil war.
Why the US Delisted Assad
The State Department confirmed Assad’s removal from the Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) list, which had frozen Syrian assets and barred US dealings with his regime. The decision aligns with regional shifts, as Arab states like the UAE and Saudi Arabia normalize ties with Damascus.
A senior official stated anonymously: “This isn’t an endorsement but a pragmatic adjustment to avoid isolation.” Other Syria-related sanctions remain intact.
Controversy and Criticism
Human rights groups condemned the move, calling it a “reward for impunity.” Nadim Houry of the Syrian Center for Policy Research warned it “risks legitimizing a regime responsible for atrocities.”
However, analysts argue isolation failed to dislodge Assad. Middle East expert Karam Shaar noted: “Dialogue may be the only path left to reduce suffering.”
Regional Repercussions
The delisting could:
– Speed up Syria’s reintegration into the Arab League.
– Encourage refugee-hosting nations like Turkey to engage Damascus.
– Complicate U.S. efforts to counter Russian and Iranian influence.
Yet Syria’s shattered economy and Assad’s refusal to concede power pose hurdles to lasting change.
What Comes Next?
The move doesn’t mean full normalization. The U.S. still demands accountability for war crimes and a UN-backed political transition—a non-starter for Assad. With geopolitical tides shifting, this step reflects Washington’s reluctant realism in a conflict with no clear resolution.
