US Removes Syria from State Sponsors of Terrorism List After Nearly Five Decades

The U.S. government has officially removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, ending a designation that has been in place for 47 years. This significant policy shift is intended to eliminate major obstacles for private sector investment and to help Syria rejoin the international economic community.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the decision acknowledges Syria’s positive steps in distancing itself from international terrorism. The Trump administration has notably engaged with Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, a figure who previously led an al-Qaeda offshoot and was once subject to an American bounty.

Al-Sharaa’s group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), formerly known as the al-Nusra Front, has also been removed from the U.S. list of global terrorist organizations. HTS, which severed ties with al-Qaeda in 2016, led the offensive that ousted former President Bashar al-Assad and now plays a dominant role in Syria’s transitional administration.

This move is part of a broader U.S. strategy to draw Syria away from the influence of Russia and China, though significant challenges remain. Syria’s stability, the establishment of a representative government, and regional tensions involving Israel and Turkey continue to be concerns.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed hope that this action would stimulate investment in Syria, contributing to political and economic stability. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani welcomed the decision as “historic,” vowing to work towards ending Syria’s isolation and fostering an environment of transparency and mutual respect.

With Syria’s removal, only Cuba, North Korea, and Iran remain on the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism. This designation imposes significant financial sanctions, restricts foreign aid and defense trade, and can penalize entities engaging in commerce with the listed nations.

This development was reported by the Nile Post.