Trump urges Syria-Israel ties after lifting sanctions

Trump, in a bold and unexpected diplomatic maneuver, called on Syria’s new leadership to normalize relations with Israel. The announcement came as part of a broader initiative during the US president’s high-profile state visit to Riyadh, where he revealed the lifting of long-standing American sanctions on Syria — a decision that could reshape Middle East dynamics and realign US foreign policy in the region.

The lifting of sanctions marks a major departure from traditional US strategy, signaling Trump’s intent to reward Syria’s new leadership under Ahmed al-Sharaa, who took power following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in December.

In a historic first, Trump became the first American president in 25 years to meet with a Syrian leader. Shaking hands with Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s transitional president and former Islamist guerrilla, the encounter marked a dramatic turning point in US-Syria relations. Sharaa, once on a US wanted list for his militant past, now leads a government supported by both Turkey and Saudi Arabia.

The meeting, which took place in Riyadh, included Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who joined via video link. Together, they discussed security cooperation, economic revival, and the future role of Syria in the broader Arab world.

During the talks, Trump urged Syria to join the Abraham Accords, a US-brokered framework that has seen countries like the UAE and Bahrain normalize ties with Israel. Trump framed this move as a critical step toward stabilizing the region and integrating Syria into the broader economic and diplomatic landscape of the Middle East.

The White House said Trump also requested that Sharaa take immediate action against foreign militant groups within Syria. These include deporting Palestinian militants, expelling jihadist fighters, and assuming control of detention camps for Islamic State members currently overseen by Kurdish forces — a point of contention for Turkey, which opposes Kurdish autonomy near its border.

Despite Trump’s public push, Syrian state media made no mention of Israel or the Abraham Accords in its coverage of the meeting. Instead, the official narrative emphasized counterterrorism cooperation and rebuilding Syria’s devastated infrastructure.

While en route to Qatar aboard Air Force One, Trump offered effusive praise for President Sharaa. “He’s a young, attractive guy. Tough guy. Strong past. Very strong past. Fighter,” Trump told reporters, suggesting the meeting had exceeded his expectations.

Trump framed the lifting of sanctions as a calculated risk with the potential for high reward. “It’s not going to be easy anyway, so it gives them a good, strong chance, and it was my honor to do so,” he told a crowd of Gulf leaders.

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The announcement was met with rapturous applause at the Riyadh investment forum, where Trump officially revealed the policy shift. “That was the thing that got the biggest applause from the room. We had a very crowded room with thousands of people,” he noted.

Celebrations erupted across Syrian cities, with many citizens hoping that sanctions relief would kickstart long-stalled industries and encourage the return of displaced families. “These sanctions were imposed on Assad, but now that Syria has been liberated, there will be a positive impact,” said Zain al-Jabali, a factory owner in Aleppo. “It’ll boost the economy and help people rebuild.”

While the sanctions were lifted, Trump made no indication that Syria would be removed from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism, a designation dating back to 1979. This status still poses significant obstacles to foreign investment, banking partnerships, and reconstruction funding.

Earlier, a Biden administration envoy had also visited Damascus in December, pressing Syria’s new leadership for commitments on minority rights and humanitarian reforms — particularly amid ongoing attacks on Alawite and Druze communities.

Regional experts say the removal of sanctions could help reintegrate Syria into the global economy. “This is a real opportunity for Syria to assert control, rebuild its economy, and attract Gulf-backed reconstruction projects,” said Rabha Seif Allam of Cairo’s Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies.

Trump’s visit to Qatar following the Riyadh summit quickly became mired in controversy. Reports surfaced that Qatar offered a $400 million luxury aircraft to serve as the next Air Force One — with the potential to be transferred to Trump’s personal use after his presidency.

The proposed gift has triggered constitutional concerns and accusations of impropriety. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has pledged to block all Justice Department political appointments in protest, citing ethical and national security implications.

Despite the political firestorm, Qatar continues to play a crucial role in the region, acting as a mediator in hostage negotiations. It recently facilitated the release of US-Israeli dual national Edan Alexander from Gaza, underscoring its unique position in regional diplomacy.

Source- Punch