After decades of Assad family rule and a devastating civil war, rebel forces toppled Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. However, US-led sanctions, including the 'state sponsor of terrorism' designation, continued to isolate Syria from the global economy.

US President Donald Trump announced the removal of Syria from the state sponsor of terrorism list in May 2025, a move seen as removing a major barrier for international banks and companies to engage with the country.

Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa's government views the lifting of all international and US sanctions as key to reviving the economy. Al-Sharaa, formerly head of the al-Qaeda-linked Nusra Front, has worked to shed his past and build international trust, including by pledging to fight ISIL.

Experts caution that the removal does not guarantee immediate investment. Rob Geist Pinfold of King's College London stated: 'This is a big hurdle that's been overcome, but it doesn't mean there are no more hurdles to investment or engagement with Syria.' He cited concerns over remnants of the old regime, potential ISIL resurgence, bureaucracy, and corruption.

Syrian opinions are mixed. Ihab, a pastry shop owner in Damascus, said: 'God willing, it will improve things.' However, a minimarket owner who declined to be named expressed skepticism: 'This needs a long breath. You can't sleep and wake up and expect change.'

Zaher, a 50-year-old juice vendor, remained hopeful: 'I'm on the street with my cart and nobody is bothering me. Electricity is getting better, but nothing gets better after just one day. It took God Almighty six days to create Earth. These things take time.'

Source: www.aljazeera.com