US Formally Removes Syria from Terrorism List

The United States officially removed Syria from its State Sponsor of Terrorism list on Monday. This was a major moment for Syria's new government, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa. The move means Syria can now receive more international money and investment. It also removes a big barrier that kept Syria from taking part in the global economy.

Syria has faced enormous challenges after more than a decade of civil war. The World Bank estimates it will cost around $216 billion to rebuild the country. By being removed from the terrorism list, Syria can now access money from banks and investors around the world. This could help pay for rebuilding homes, schools, hospitals, and other important buildings.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the decision recognized Syria's government making positive changes and commitments to stay away from terrorism. Syria was first placed on the terrorism list back in 1979. Only three other countries remain on that list today: Cuba, Iran, and North Korea. Rubio said removing Syria from the list clears the final major barriers for businesses and investors to put money into Syria.

The U.S. also removed al-Sharaa's former group, Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, from another terrorism list called the Specially Designated Global Terrorist list. Al-Sharaa was once considered a terrorist himself, but he led the effort to overthrow dictator Bashar al-Assad. Since taking control of Syria in December 2024, he has cut ties with terrorist groups like al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. He also built close relationships with countries like Turkey and Saudi Arabia to gain support from President Trump.

President Trump shared a photo on his social media site Truth Social showing al-Sharaa and Syria's Foreign Minister holding Trump's signed order. U.S. Ambassador Tom Barrack said removing the designation opens a new era of U.S.-Syrian relations. He wrote online that the decision tears down another wall separating the Syrian people from the investment and opportunity they need to rebuild their nation.

There is broad support from both political parties for giving Syria sanctions relief. However, some lawmakers still have concerns. A few worry that al-Sharaa has not fully left his terrorist past behind. Others have raised issues about violence between different groups in Syria, Syria's old ties with Russia, and whether all groups of people in Syria will have a fair say in the new government.