US removes Syria from list of state sponsors of terrorism

The United States has lifted Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism after 47 years, according to a statement from the US Department of State. The move was made to remove what officials described as the final major obstacles for private sector investment in Syria and its reintegration into the global economy. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the decision acknowledged the Syrian government's positive actions in distancing itself from acts of international terrorism.

The Trump administration had previously recognized Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former militant who had once been under an American bounty for his involvement with al-Qaeda offshoot Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). HTS, which was previously designated as a terrorist organization by the US, was also removed from the list in late 2024 following the overthrow of former President Bashar al-Assad by HTS-led rebels.

The US hopes to integrate Syria into its orbit rather than that of Russia or China. However, challenges remain, including Syria's ongoing instability and lack of a representative government. The country is also at the center of growing tensions between its neighbors, Israel and Turkey. The move, initially announced in July, is expected to open up new investment opportunities for the Syrian economy to promote political and economic stability.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani welcomed the decision as a "historic step" towards removing the effects of isolation and creating an environment based on transparency, mutual interests, and respect. This development brings the number of countries on the US list of state sponsors of terrorism to just three: Cuba, North Korea, and Iran.

Despite the change, the listing still carries financial sanctions, restrictions on US foreign aid and defense exports, and penalties for individuals and countries engaging in trade with the sanctioned state.