Trump lifts sanctions on Syria, marking a significant foreign policy gamble

The Headline

Trump's significant diplomatic shift

The Syria move was a significant win for Trump on a trip dominated by economic concerns.

Firas Maksad

director of outreach at the Middle East Institute

Key Facts

Trump's meeting with Syria's interim president Ahmad al-Sharaa marks the first encounter between the two nations' leaders in 25 years.
Syria's Foreign Ministry called the lifting of sanctions a 'pivotal turning point for the Syrian people.'
Trump's decision to lift sanctions on Syria is described as one of the biggest foreign policy gambles of his second term.1
Details of the intricate diplomacy leading to the lifting of sanctions have not yet been revealed.1
Syria is at a turning point and occupies a vital place on the map of the region, with potential for greater chaos if conditions deteriorate.1
Trump's trip includes a stop in Qatar as part of a three-nation tour around the Middle East.

Key Stats at a Glance

Years since last meeting between US and Syrian leaders

25 years

Trump meets Syria's new leader

TrumpSyriaAhmed al-Sharaasanctionshistoric meeting

Trump says he plans to lift sanctions on Syria

TrumpsanctionsSyriaAssad regimeSaudi Arabia

Trump explores normalizing relations with Syria after lifting sanctions

TrumpSyriarelationssanctionspolitics

Trump: US Exploring 'Normalizing Relations' With Syria

TrumpSyriaUS relationsAhmed al-SharaaBashar al-Assad

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Background Context

Key Facts

Trump's first international trip of his second presidency is to Saudi Arabia, emphasizing a shift in foreign policy.
Trump's remarks highlight the importance of the region's people in shaping their own destinies.
Trump's meeting with Saudi leaders resulted in pledges of $600B in U.S. investments.

Key Stats at a Glance

Total U.S. investments pledged by Saudi leaders

$600B