In a surprising twist, US President Donald Trump recently met with Syria's new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, in Riyadh. This meeting marked a significant shift in US policy towards Syria. Al-Sharaa, once a notorious jihadist, has transformed into Syria's interim president. His journey from a militant leader to a political figure is as intriguing as it is controversial. Trump's decision to lift long-standing sanctions on Syria has sparked a mix of hope and concern among Syrians.

The sanctions had crippled Syria's economy for years. The Caesar Act, imposed in 2019, was particularly harsh, making it nearly impossible for the country to engage in international trade. The World Bank reported that Syria's economy shrank by more than half between 2010 and 2020. Poverty affected 69% of the population in 2022, with extreme poverty impacting more than one in four Syrians. The lifting of sanctions could potentially bring billions of dollars in investments, providing a much-needed economic boost.

Trump's move is seen as a strategic win for Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia. For years, these countries have been eager to invest in Syria but were held back by US sanctions. Now, with the sanctions lifted, they have the green light to pour in investments. This could significantly change the political landscape in the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states gaining more influence in Syria.

The meeting between Trump and al-Sharaa was described as "historic" by Syria. The two leaders discussed several key issues, including normalization with Israel and expelling foreign and Palestinian "terrorists. " Trump also proposed measures to help prevent the resurgence of ISIS. This meeting was the first of its kind in 25 years, signaling a new chapter in US-Syria relations.

However, not everyone in Syria is optimistic about the future. While some celebrate the lifting of sanctions, others are concerned about the treatment of minorities under al-Sharaa's regime. There have been reports of human rights abuses, including field executions and communal killings. The UN has also expressed concerns about the violence against the Alawite minority. As Syria enters this new phase, it remains to be seen how these issues will be addressed.

The lifting of sanctions could also have implications for Israel. Trump's decision to establish ties with al-Sharaa defied Israel, which has been aggressive in its stance against the new Syrian government. Israel has repeatedly bombed Syria and seized more of its territory since the fall of Assad. The future of US-Israel relations in the context of Syria remains uncertain.

A New Dawn in Syria: Trump's Surprising Move

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