In a major move that changes US policy on Syria, the American government has lifted many sanctions that were hurting the country’s economy. This decision comes after President Trump promised to help Syria rebuild after a long and terrible civil war. The US Treasury Department announced a special order, known as a “general license,” which now allows businesses and organizations to deal with Syria’s interim government, its banks, and major companies.
This new rule, called GL25, lets companies and people do business with Syria without fear of being punished by US sanctions laws. It opens the door for trade, investment, and business activities that were earlier not allowed. The US says this will help Syria’s private sector, especially in areas like electricity, water, and health services, which are badly needed after years of war.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio also issued a 180-day break from strict rules under the Caesar Act. This break is supposed to make it easier for investments to happen and to provide basic services like clean water, power, and help for people in need. According to US officials, these steps are the first part of a new approach between the US and Syria.
What Are the Conditions?
The US has said that this change is not a free gift. The Syrian government has been told to take some important actions in return for the easing of sanctions. These include kicking out all foreign fighters from the country, sending back Palestinian groups that the US sees as terrorists, and helping stop the return of ISIS, the dangerous group that once controlled large parts of Syria.
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The US wants Syria to use this opportunity to promote peace and stability, both inside the country and with its neighbors. It hopes that by allowing businesses to work in Syria again, the Syrian people can start to rebuild their lives. The Syrian government said it was happy with the decision, calling it a positive step toward reducing the suffering of its people.
Syria has said it wants to work with other countries on the basis of respect and not interfering in each other’s internal matters. The government has also said it believes in solving problems through talks and peaceful solutions.
Who Benefits From the New Orders?
The new orders apply to many important people and businesses in Syria. The list includes the Syrian government, its central bank, Syrian Arab Airlines, several banks, oil and gas companies, and even hotels like the Four Seasons in Damascus.
Before this change, the US had many layers of sanctions on Syria. These rules blocked the country from using the world banking system and made it hard to import goods. Syria has been under US sanctions since 1979, and many more were added after its civil war started in 2011.
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Syria’s situation changed when militias, led by a figure named Ahmed al-Sharaa, removed the old president, Bashar al-Assad, from power in December. Now, under Sharaa’s leadership, Syria hopes to get help from other countries to rebuild.
This major policy shift came after President Trump’s meeting with Syria’s leader in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The US says the goal is to encourage rebuilding, allow aid groups to do their work, and help people recover from the war. However, it’s important to note that while the US has lifted these sanctions for now, it has also warned that it expects Syria to follow through on its promises.
In a separate action, Israel had earlier stopped all aid access into Syria on March 2.
