Alice W. wrote for NBPrime on May 15, 2025.
Former President Donald Trump made one of the most audacious diplomatic actions of his second administration in Riyadh this week. He met with Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa—a guy formerly linked to terrorist groups—and officially removed U.S. sanctions on Syria.
Al-Sharaa, formerly a jihadist connected to Al-Qaeda, has climbed to govern Syria following Bashar al-collapse. Assad’s Now appearing in suits next to foreign leaders, his image has changed from rebel commander to head of state.
Driven by a need to stop Syria from crumbling more and to restrict outside influence from Iran, Russia, and Turkey, the decision to acknowledge his authority and lift sanctions indicates a major change in U.S. foreign policy.
From Conflict Zones to World Politics
Al-Sharaa’s history is fraught with dispute. Operating among jihadist organizations in the early 2000s, he was even named wanted terrorist by the United States. But he has tried to present himself as a reformer who can bring order back to Syria after assisting in the removal of Assad.
Though there are global worries, the Trump administration views the removal of sanctions as a calculated chance to assist a possibly stabilizing person.
Today, President Trump, at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, met with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa. President Erdogan of Turkey joined by phone. President Erdogan praised President Trump for lifting sanctions on Syria and committed to working alongside Saudi… pic.twitter.com/0yhyZbQ1o0
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) May 14, 2025
Regional Tensions
The action has angered several American friends. Israel was not notified in advance; other American allies are worried about the decision’s quickness and breadth.
Originally concentrating on commercial agreements and regional diplomacy, Trump’s tour has surprisingly realigned certain Middle East priorities. Discussions with Qatari and Saudi officials also addressed the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and increased Iranian nuclear program pressure.
Questions left Unanswered
Though, Washington legislators are wary even as the United States wishes Syria might start reconstructing. Questions remain about whether al-Sharaa’s administration will safeguard minorities, stop ISIS from coming back, and control foreign fighter activities.
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The administration has underlined that Syria’s future actions will determine continuous cooperation. Lifting sanctions could create diplomatic openings but also comes with major consequences.
A Defining Time
Trump’s action might either pave the way for a new chapter in the Middle East or replicate past errors where the West supported authoritarian dictators only to later cause turmoil.
Urgency and strategy have driven this change, which now places Syria’s future—and America’s credibility—on a precarious road.
