U.S. President Donald Trump announced, during his visit to Riyadh, the decision to lift sanctions on Syria, thereby ending a prolonged phase of economic isolation that had lasted for years. This shift, the result of a complex diplomatic process, places Syria before significant political and economic responsibilities that demand a careful reading of regional developments in connection with internal transformations.

Context of the Decision: A New Network of Alliances and Changing Power Dynamics

The announcement by Washington to lift sanctions on Syria was not an isolated event. It was the culmination of a series of political moves that began in early 2025, when Gulf states—led by Saudi Arabia—initiated intensive diplomatic efforts to end Damascus’ isolation.

The European Union had already taken an initial step in February 2025 by partially suspending sanctions on the energy and transport sectors—an early indicator of a shifting international attitude toward Syria.

Turkey, a key player in the Syrian file, recalibrated its strategy following the collapse of the previous regime in December 2024.
It adopted a more pragmatic approach that allowed it to participate in reconstruction efforts as part of a regional alliance that includes Riyadh, Washington, and Ankara—an alliance that aims to redraw the map of influence in the Middle East amid the increasing decline of the Russian-Iranian axis.

The U.S.-Syria Meeting in Riyadh: Multi-Dimensional Messages

On May 13, 2025, the Saudi capital witnessed a historic meeting between Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa and his American counterpart—a meeting that carries meanings beyond bilateral interests, considering the timing, location, and historic context.

The timing came five months after the fall of the former regime, amid peak efforts to rebuild the state on new foundations.

The location—Riyadh—has become a hub for regional transformations, symbolizing Syria’s return to the Arab fold with a more independent approach.

The content of the meeting included the announcement of a new alliance comprising the United States, the Gulf states, Egypt, and Jordan, aiming to restore geopolitical balance in the region.

Internal Challenges: Reconstruction Demands and Institutional Reform

Lifting sanctions presents a genuine opportunity for reconstruction but also introduces challenges that require thoughtful responses on three main levels:

1. Government Reform: This necessitates restructuring public administration to ensure transparency and efficiency in managing resources, alongside an integrated economic plan to rehabilitate infrastructure—especially in the energy and transport sectors.

2. Military and Political Realignment: This involves integrating armed factions into a unified national framework, thereby reinforcing the independence of Syrian military decisions. It also requires expanding the national dialogue to reach a political consensus that prevents fragmentation.

3. Societal Participation in Economic Revival: This includes encouraging the private sector and foreign investment to create jobs and foster economic stability, along with activating civil society institutions to help rebuild the social fabric and ensure national cohesion.

External Challenges: The Sovereignty Equation and Alliance Demands

Despite optimism about attracting international investment, the five American conditions leaked from the meeting suggest political demands that cannot be overlooked.
These include:

* The Abraham Accords, which should be linked to a full Israeli withdrawal from the Golan Heights.
* A clear rejection of any settlements that compromise Palestinian rights.
* The counterterrorism file, which must be approached through mechanisms that ensure Syria does not bear the security burden alone.

The New Alliance: Between Opportunity and Risk

It is evident that the shift from the Russian-Iranian axis to a Western-Arab alliance presents clear economic and political opportunities. Chief among them is reclaiming national decision-making by ending foreign domination over Syrian policies and restoring the ability to chart independent paths.

This is coupled with a potential influx of Gulf investment, as many Gulf states have expressed willingness to support reconstruction projects.

However, this partnership is not without risks. The greatest challenge remains ensuring that Syria is an active partner, not a subordinate—building relationships based on mutual interests rather than political dictates.

Conclusion: A New Turning Point and Historic Responsibility

The lifting of sanctions marks a critical turning point in Syria’s trajectory, but it does not signal the end of its challenges. Rather, it marks the beginning of a true test of the new leadership’s ability to formulate a political and economic model that safeguards sovereignty and lays the foundation for long-term stability and sustainable development.

We believe the coming phase demands a clear vision and firm political will—one that ensures this historic moment is invested wisely and in the national interest, far from the narrow calculations that have burdened Syria for decades.

The U.S. decision to lift sanctions on Syria is not merely a political act—it is a strategic shift that places the nation before a historic responsibility. The success of this phase depends on the collective ability of Syrians—government, political, and military forces, and the people—to wisely seize this opportunity and transform it into a launching point for a more stable and prosperous future.

Will Syria be able to seize this moment?

The coming days will reveal the answer. But what is certain is that Syria no longer has the luxury of failure.