Summary
President Donald Trump signed off on the final repeal of U.S. sanctions on Syria, which were initially imposed under the Caesar Act. These sanctions had been aimed at punishing Syria's government for human rights abuses during its civil war. The lifting of sanctions is expected to help Syria rebuild its economy and infrastructure.
Key Facts
- The U.S. Congress imposed the Caesar Act sanctions on Syria in 2019.
- These sanctions targeted Syria's government and financial system due to human rights abuses.
- Bashar Assad was ousted in December 2024, leading to calls for the sanctions' removal.
- The U.S. lifted the sanctions as part of the annual defense spending bill, signed by President Trump.
- The repeal does not have conditions but requires periodic reports to Congress.
- Syria's foreign ministry and several regional countries welcomed the move.
- The World Bank estimates Syria's reconstruction needs at $216 billion.
- The United Kingdom imposed new sanctions on certain individuals and groups in Syria.
