Trump removes Syria from terror sponsor list, signalling dramatic shift in US relations

The United States has announced it is removing Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, marking a significant reversal in American foreign policy towards the Damascus government. According to US officials, President Trump delivered the announcement to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad during a meeting at a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, in the form of a personal letter outlining the decision. The move represents what Washington is characterising as a major milestone in the renewal of diplomatic relations between the two countries following years of estrangement. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the development, describing it as “a significant turning point in the mutual relationship between Washington and Damascus that is being rebuilt.” The announcement comes as tensions remain elevated in the buffer zone between Syria and Israel, where ceasefire arrangements have been in place since 2020. Trump’s letter reportedly stated that the decision aims to help Syria prosper as never before, though the move is likely to prove controversial given Syria’s continued alleged involvement in human rights violations and its close ties to Iran and Russia throughout the Syrian conflict.

Source: Ynet — Original article in Hebrew.