President Trump’s removal of sanctions on Syria opens the door for the war-torn nation to rebuild its economy through agriculture and manufacturing, though significant challenges remain before the country returns to prosperity.
At a Glance
- President Trump has ordered the lifting of all sanctions against Syria to help the country recover after years of civil war
- The decision comes as Syria transitions to a new interim government led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa
- Syria’s substantial water resources and favorable growing conditions position it for agricultural revival
- The manufacturing sector could be revitalized with the return of Syrian business owners who fled during the conflict
- U.S. diplomacy is advancing with Secretary of State Marco Rubio set to meet Syria’s Foreign Minister in Turkiye
Trump Administration Shifts U.S. Policy on Syria
In a dramatic policy reversal, President Donald Trump has announced the complete lifting of sanctions against Syria, declaring that they had achieved their intended purpose. The move marks a significant departure from years of American policy toward the Middle Eastern nation, which has endured a devastating civil war since 2011. Trump’s decision comes as Syria transitions to a new interim government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
“I will be ordering the cessation of sanctions against Syria in order to give them a chance at greatness. It’s their time to shine. We’re taking them all off,” Trump stated during his announcement. The President expressed optimism about Syria’s future, adding: “There’s a new government that will hopefully succeed in stabilising the country and keeping peace.”
MY LETTER TO PRESIDENT-ELECT DONALD TRUMP
"Recommendations on National Security and Foreign Policy:
by Dr. Walid Phares (January 11, 2025)
Dear President-Elect @realDonaldTrump,
With just a few days before you again enter the Oval Office and your teams land in their… pic.twitter.com/JKO3UgFCgP
— Dr Walid Phares (@WalidPhares) January 13, 2025
Agricultural and Water Resources Hold Promise
Syria’s economic revival will likely depend heavily on its natural resources, particularly its agricultural potential. Before the civil war, agriculture contributed significantly to Syria’s GDP and employed a large portion of its workforce. The country’s favorable climate and substantial water reserves position it to not only achieve food security but potentially become a regional agricultural exporter. This sector could provide immediate employment opportunities and help address widespread poverty.
The lifting of sanctions opens pathways for investment in modern farming techniques, irrigation systems, and agricultural processing facilities. Rural development will be crucial for economic recovery, as many Syrians who fled urban centers during the conflict may initially return to their agricultural roots. International agricultural organizations are already expressing interest in partnering with Syria to modernize farming practices and increase crop yields.
Manufacturing Sector Poised for Comeback
Syria’s manufacturing base, once a cornerstone of its economy, stands to benefit significantly from the removal of sanctions. Prior to the war, the country had developed expertise in textiles, pharmaceuticals, food processing, and light manufacturing. Many factory owners and business leaders who fled during the conflict have maintained connections with their former operations and are eager to return.
“Rasin, we’re going to start working again,” reported Mr. Katta’s former business partner in Damascus, according to a conversation described in The New York Times. “We can start preparing the factory.”
The story of Rasin Katta exemplifies the potential for revival. His family owned medical and pharmaceutical businesses in Syria before relocating to Germany during the civil war. With sanctions lifting, entrepreneurs like Katta are positioning themselves to restart operations, potentially bringing capital, technology, and expertise back to Syria. The pharmaceutical industry, in particular, could quickly rebound given Syria’s previous regional strength in this sector.
International Support and Regional Diplomacy
The decision to lift sanctions was influenced by discussions with key regional leaders, including Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Gulf states are expected to play a significant role in Syria’s reconstruction, with potential funding coming from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s upcoming meeting with Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani in Turkiye signals continued diplomatic engagement.
“After so many decades of conflict, finally, it is within our grasp to reach the future that generations before us could only dream about,” President Trump stated, describing his vision as a “Golden Age of the Middle East.”
Despite the optimism, significant challenges remain. According to a UNDP report, Syria faces dire economic conditions with widespread poverty. Rebuilding infrastructure destroyed during the war will require massive investment. Military tensions persist, with Israel conducting periodic airstrikes and concerns about various ethnic and religious minorities. However, the removal of sanctions represents the first critical step toward economic normalization and provides a pathway for Syria to begin harnessing its indigenous resources for growth.
