US President Donald Trump has formally begun the process of removing Syria from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism. This decision marks a major shift in Washington's policy toward Damascus.
President Trump informed Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa of the decision on Wednesday during a meeting on the sidelines of a NATO summit in Turkey. Trump cited efforts by al-Sharaa to unify the country and stated that the move would help rebuild the war-ravaged nation.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio formally notified Congress of the move, which requires a 45-day review to be finalized. The decision will become effective in 45 days unless lawmakers take the unlikely step of blocking it.
Rescinding the designation could help enable Syria’s reintegration into the global economy as it recovers from a civil war that has lasted nearly 14 years.