Syria Seeks Sanctions Relief to Rebuild Economy and Expand Ties

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Syria is asking the United States to lift most of the sanctions that have been affecting its economy for years. The country’s top official, Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, recently spoke at an international summit while the United Nations General Assembly was taking place in New York. He explained that many of the sanctions originally placed on Syria are no longer fair, and the Syrian people see them as targeting ordinary citizens instead of the government.

Back in May, U.S. President Donald Trump met with Syrian leaders in Riyadh, the Saudi capital, and decided to remove many sanctions. However, the Caesar Syria Civil Protection Act of 2019, which allows these sanctions, is still U.S. law. This means that while some sanctions can be lifted by executive decision, the law itself still exists. Members of the U.S. Congress are debating whether to remove this law entirely. Some lawmakers, both Republicans and Democrats, want it to be included as an amendment in the National Defense Authorization Act, which is a major defense bill expected to pass by December.

President al-Sharaa emphasized that Syria’s economy needs help and that its people are hardworking and capable of rebuilding the nation if the sanctions are lifted. “We have a big mission to build the economy,” he said. “Syria has a diverse workforce. They love to work. It’s in their genes. Just lift the sanctions, and you will see the results.”

Al-Sharaa also met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York, seeking to improve relations between Syria and Western countries and reduce Syria’s international isolation. The U.S. official highlighted the potential for Syria to become a stable and sovereign nation, referencing President Trump’s earlier announcement on easing sanctions for the Syrian people. They discussed ongoing counterterrorism measures, efforts to find missing Americans, and the importance of relations between Israel and Syria for regional security.

Currently, Israel and Syria are technically still at war. Israel continues to occupy Syria’s Golan Heights and has carried out many airstrikes in Syria since the fall of the previous government. When asked whether Syria could join the Abraham Accords — agreements that normalize relations between Israel and some Arab countries — al-Sharaa explained that Syria’s situation is very different. “Syria is different. Those countries in the Abraham Accords are not Israel’s neighbors. Syria, as a neighbor, has faced more than 1,000 raids, strikes, and incursions by Israel,” he said.

The Syrian president’s comments reflect the country’s hope to attract international support, rebuild its economy, and gradually reintegrate into global affairs while maintaining a strong stance on its sovereignty and security concerns. The lifting of sanctions could help Syria tap into its oil resources, encourage foreign investment, and rebuild infrastructure damaged during years of conflict. However, the future of sanctions relief depends on U.S. congressional approval and ongoing diplomatic negotiations.

Syria is taking steps to improve its global relationships while trying to revive its economy. The government believes that with international support and the lifting of sanctions, Syrians can rebuild their country and restore stability in the region.

Syria, sanctions, Caesar Act, Donald Trump, Marco Rubio