Context:

President Trump met with Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he announced the lifting of U.S. sanctions against Syria. This move, seen as pivotal for Syria's reconstruction, was encouraged by leaders such as Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The meeting focused on normalizing relations with Israel and deterring terrorism, with Trump urging Sharaa to join the Abraham Accords. Sharaa, once listed as a terrorist due to past affiliations, has been working to build an inclusive society and mend diplomatic ties to garner international support. The lifting of sanctions is expected to open up investment opportunities for Gulf states, countering Syria's past reliance on Russian support amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region.

Dive Deeper:

• President Trump met with Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa during his visit to Saudi Arabia, where the focus was on lifting U.S. sanctions that have been in place for decades due to the Assad regime's actions.

• The lifting of sanctions is considered crucial for Syria's rebuilding efforts following years of civil war and isolation, and was praised by leaders like Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

• Trump encouraged Sharaa to normalize relations with Israel as part of the Abraham Accords, emphasizing the need to deter terrorism and promote regional stability.

• Ahmed al-Sharaa, who led a coalition to overthrow Bashar al-Assad, was previously on the U.S. terrorist list due to his ties with extremist groups, but has since pledged to establish an inclusive government protecting all ethnic and religious minorities.

• Despite past concerns about Sharaa's background, he has been actively engaging with international leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, to advocate for the removal of sanctions and to rebuild Syria's diplomatic relations.

• The sanctions had forced Syria to consider seeking financial aid from Russia, known for its military presence in the country, but the new diplomatic efforts aim to foster investment from Gulf states eager to tap into Syria's resources.

• Israel continues to conduct airstrikes in Syria, citing security concerns over weapons falling into extremist hands and to protect the Druze minority, while also securing territories along the Golan Heights, highlighting ongoing regional security issues.