Part 5/11:
The decision to lift sanctions on Syria is perhaps the most consequential of Trump’s actions. Effectively, it signifies a recognition that regime change via sanctions may no longer be a priority, or at least not in the same way. Trump noted that the move was partly due to the request of MBS, indicating a transactional relationship where regional alliances and U.S. interests are intertwined.
This policy reversal could significantly alter regional power dynamics, possibly emboldening Assad’s government and impacting ongoing conflicts like the Syrian civil war. It also raises questions about America's long-term strategies in Syria and the broader Middle East, especially regarding Kurdish autonomy, Iranian influence, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.