Context:

US President Donald Trump has announced the lifting of sanctions on Syria, which was met with celebration in Damascus and marks a significant shift in US foreign policy. The sanctions had previously blocked foreign financing and aid, originally intended to pressure the regime of ousted President Bashar al-Assad. The Syrian interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has expressed optimism for the country's future stability and reconstruction, while also calling for Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham to be de-listed as a terrorist organization. Trump's decision follows requests from Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, with whom he announced a substantial arms deal. This policy change aims to enable international investments crucial for Syria's rebuilding efforts after years of civil war and economic devastation.

Dive Deeper:

• Donald Trump announced the lifting of sanctions on Syria, a move celebrated in the Syrian capital of Damascus, as it promises to open up foreign financing and aid essential for the country's recovery after a prolonged civil war.

• The sanctions had been imposed to pressure the regime of former President Bashar al-Assad, who was overthrown, leaving Syria in economic ruin with 90% of the population under the poverty line.

• Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria's interim president, views this as a turning point for Syria, aiming for stability and self-sufficiency, and has reiterated calls to remove the terrorist designation from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which played a role in toppling Assad.

• Trump's decision reportedly followed requests from Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince and Turkey's President, highlighting a major shift in US foreign policy, which previously hinged on improvements in minority rights within Syria.

• The US's move to lift sanctions was endorsed by former US ambassador to Syria, Robert Ford, who emphasized the necessity of international capital for Syria's reconstruction amid the devastation from the civil war.

• Despite the new government's promises, concerns remain over ethnic tensions, as past conflicts have seen violence against minority groups such as the Alawites and Druze, raising fears of further unrest.

• Trump's Middle East tour, which includes visits to Qatar and the UAE, has also seen the announcement of a $142 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia, further indicating strengthened ties with the region.