The News
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he would order the lifting of all sanctions on Syria “to give them a chance at greatness,” a major shift in Washington’s policy toward Damascus.
The announcement — which Trump suggested was influenced by leaders in Turkey and Saudi Arabia — came a day before the US president is expected to meet with new Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former rebel leader who helped topple Bashar al-Assad.
Sharaa has been trying to woo Washington, reportedly recently telling a Trump ally that he wants a business deal and a Trump Tower in Damascus.
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Western governments have been reluctant to ease restrictions on Syria before the new leadership meets certain humanitarian and political conditions.
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