### Trump Lifts U.S. Sanctions on Syria: A Shift in Foreign Policy - On July 1, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to end U.S. sanctions on Syria, fulfilling a promise made to the country's new interim leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa. This decision marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy towards Syria, aiming to reintegrate the war-torn nation into the global economy and promote stability in the region. The sanctions had been in place since 2004, primarily targeting the Assad regime and its affiliates due to allegations of war crimes and human rights violations against civilians [https://www.cp24.com/news/world/2025/07/01/trump-signs-an-executive-an-executive-order-ending-us-sanctions-on-syria]. ### Structure of the Response 1. **Overview of the Executive Order** - Details of the executive order signed by Trump. - Implications for U.S.-Syria relations. 2. **Continuing Sanctions on Key Individuals** - Specific sanctions that remain in place against Bashar al-Assad and his close associates. - The rationale behind maintaining these targeted sanctions. 3. **Strategic Goals Behind the Policy Shift** - The U.S. administration's objectives in lifting sanctions. - The potential impact on diplomatic relations, particularly with Israel. 4. **Reactions and Future Considerations** - Responses from international stakeholders and analysts. - Future steps regarding Syria's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Executive Order Details**: The order dismantles the "national emergency" status that had been in effect since 2004, which imposed extensive sanctions on Syria's economy, including its central bank [https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/2025/06/30/trump-dismantles-syria-sanctions-program-israel-ties-eyed]. - **Targeted Sanctions**: While the broader sanctions are lifted, restrictions on Assad and his inner circle remain, reflecting ongoing concerns about human rights abuses [https://www.euronews.com/2025/07/01/donald-trump-signs-executive-order-lifting-us-sanctions-on-syria]. - **Strategic Goals**: The administration aims to foster a stable and peaceful Syria, which could lead to improved relations with Israel, as the new Syrian government considers diplomatic ties [https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/world/trump-lifts-sanctions-on-syria-as-it-holds-talks-on-diplomatic-ties-with-israel]. ### Summary of Findings 1. **Executive Order Signed**: President Trump has officially lifted many U.S. sanctions on Syria, signaling a new approach to U.S.-Syria relations [https://www.adn.com/nation-world/2025/06/30/trump-signs-an-executive-order-ending-us-sanctions-on-syria]. 2. **Targeted Sanctions Remain**: Sanctions against Bashar al-Assad and his close associates will continue, reflecting ongoing concerns about their actions during the Syrian civil war [https://www.zeebiz.com/world/news-trump-signs-executive-order-terminating-syria-sanctions-white-house-371624]. 3. **Strategic Diplomatic Goals**: The U.S. aims to support Syria's path to stability and peace, potentially paving the way for improved relations with Israel [https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/30/trump-expected-to-sign-executive-order-to-lift-some-sanctions-on-syria]. 4. **Future Considerations**: The administration will explore the possibility of removing Syria's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, which has hindered foreign investment [https://www.hindu.com/news/international/trump-signs-an-executive-order-ending-us-sanctions-on-syria/article69757345.ece]. This comprehensive overview highlights the significant policy shift by the U.S. government regarding Syria, emphasizing both the lifting of sanctions and the continued scrutiny of key figures associated with the previous regime.