Syria removed from US terrorism list, opening door to reconstruction
Washington rescinds a 1979 designation, offering significant sanctions relief intended to attract private sector investment and stabilise the post-war economy.
The United States has removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, a decision that rescinds a designation originally applied in 1979 and offers the country significant sanctions relief. The move is designed to promote political and economic stability and facilitate Syria’s reintegration into the global economy following the 2024 ouster of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa described the decision as a major step towards post-war reconstruction, stating that Syria is tearing away a painful chapter of its past to embark on a path of development. He expressed gratitude to the United States and other supportive nations, framing the removal of the label as a critical mechanism for attracting the capital needed for rebuilding.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the action eliminates the final major barriers for private sector investment in Syria. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent added that the move would help foster additional investment to promote stability. However, the US Treasury noted that the removal of restrictions does not change its posture on countering global terrorism or its commitment to holding “bad actors” in Syria accountable, suggesting the relief is not unconditional.
The scale of the economic challenge remains substantial, with the World Bank estimating that post-war reconstruction costs will exceed $216 billion. This projection underscores the necessity of the sanctions relief, which aims to unlock the private sector funding required to meet such a high financial threshold.
Several nations, including Turkiye, Qatar, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Ukraine, welcomed the US decision. Turkiye, a key backer of Syria’s new authorities, stated that the move lends momentum to efforts to strengthen Syria’s ties with the international community and establish lasting security.
In parallel with the diplomatic shift, Syria announced the launch of an English-language social media account for its foreign media department. Syrian Airlines is also scheduled to begin regular direct flights from Damascus to Copenhagen and Vienna on 21 September, a move described by civil aviation officials as part of efforts to strengthen air links between Syria and Europe.
