Post by : Jyoti Gupta

Photo:AP

President Donald Trump today signed an executive order to dismantle the U.S. sanctions program on Syria, aiming to reintegrate the war-torn nation into the global economy and support its rebuilding efforts. The move cancels a national emergency declaration originally issued in 2004, along with five related executive orders, effectively lifting broad financial restrictions .

However, the order preserves targeted sanctions on former President Bashar al‑Assad, his inner circle, human rights violators, drug traffickers, chemical weapons operatives, ISIS affiliates, and Iran-linked groups . Sanctions from the Caesar Act—mandated by Congress—remain intact unless Congress takes further action .
 Following his meeting with Syria’s interim leader Ahmed al‑Sharaa in Riyadh in May, Trump stated the order supports the country's return to stability .

The executive order also directs a review of Syria’s designation as a "state sponsor of terrorism" and of the terrorist status of Hayat Tahrir al‑Sham. 
The Treasury reported removing 518 individuals and groups from its Syria sanctions list, while simultaneously designating 139 Assad-associated persons for continued restrictions .

Syrian officials praised the decision as a crucial step for reconstruction. The EU has taken similar action, lifting most of its sanctions. U.S. officials emphasize that continued progress on counter-terrorism and regional normalization will be closely monitored .