Saed News: An international affairs expert told Khabar Online that from an economic perspective, the Joulan government has taken steps toward improvement by opening doors to cooperation, especially with Arab countries.
Unveiling of Trump’s Promise to Joulan: Partial Sanctions on Syria Lifted – Syria Returns to the Arab Fold
According to the political desk of Saed News, following Trump’s recent trip to the Middle East and his meeting with Mohammad al-Shar’a, yesterday Trump’s promise to Joulan was fulfilled as the U.S. Department of Treasury issued a general license to lift some sanctions on Syria, bringing joy to the Syrian people.
The U.S. Secretary of State announced that his country has granted Syria a 180-day exemption from sanctions under the Caesar Act, in order to boost investment and cash flow.
Senator Rubio stated that the exemption from the Caesar Act sanctions is “the first step toward realizing President Donald Trump’s vision for a new relationship with Syria.”
He added that the U.S. supports the Syrian people’s efforts to build a brighter future, describing the exemption as a step toward providing essential services and facilitating Syria’s reconstruction.
The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also welcomed the U.S. decision, releasing a statement that described the lifting of sanctions as a move in the right direction to reduce humanitarian and economic suffering. The statement emphasized that Syria extends its hand to all parties willing to cooperate based on mutual respect.
Additionally, according to some reports, Kaja Kallas, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union, announced that the EU has also decided to fully lift its economic sanctions against Syria.
What is the basis for the U.S. decision, and is it tied to a shift in foreign policy, or is it purely humanitarian?
This was the main topic discussed by Khabar Online in an interview with former diplomat Seyed Jalal Sadatian.
What is the basis for the U.S. decision to lift some of the sanctions on Syria?
Before answering that, let me offer a brief historical context. After World War II, the U.S. emerged as a new global power. Until then, the world had largely been under European dominance. With the ideological and military rivalry between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, a bipolar world order took shape.
In the Middle East, the U.S. sought to establish two strategic poles: Saudi Arabia as the economic pole and Iran as the political and geopolitical pole. Iraq under Saddam also tried to play a role but ultimately withdrew after the 1975 Algiers Agreement.
The 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran disrupted this regional order. Saudi Arabia, as a rival player, directly supported Saddam during the Iran-Iraq War through the Gulf Cooperation Council. This rivalry extended into Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and beyond. Saudi Arabia claimed Iran sought to create a “Shiite Crescent,” and thus fully opposed it.
So Saudi Arabia entered into ideological competition with Iran and prioritized religious influence?
Yes. Beyond the Middle East, Saudi Arabia even sought to expand its influence in the West by funding imams, mosques, and publishing religious books. These were all part of the broader religious and cultural competition with Iran.
Let’s return to Syria. How do you assess recent developments and the role of regional players?
Last year, with Israel intensifying its strikes on the Axis of Resistance (from Lebanon to Gaza) and following the decline of ISIS, players like Turkey, Iran, and Russia entered a new phase of cooperation through the Astana Process. Turkey played the role of mediator in this framework.
Within this process, remnants of extremist groups in Idlib received support. One of them, Abu Mohammad al-Julani, through training in governance and administration, managed to organize his forces, eventually sidelined Bashar al-Assad, and established a new governing structure.
This new structure was welcomed by some Arab and Western countries. Israel occupied parts of Syrian territory, including the Golan Heights and areas near Damascus, launching attacks on Syrian military infrastructure. Meanwhile, France, Britain, and Germany recognized the new government.
And the Julani government was also invited to the Arab League?
Yes. Julani, now appearing with a new image and rhetoric, was invited to the Arab League. During Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia, the U.S. formally recognized this government. Syria’s debts were paid off by Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Effectively, Syria has returned fully to the Arab world’s embrace. Saudi Arabia now seeks to limit Turkey’s influence in Syria and solidify its leadership role in Syria’s reconstruction.
Is the lifting of sanctions part of a shift in U.S. foreign policy or just a humanitarian move?
If the West or Arab countries are genuinely acting out of humanitarian concern, how can they justify their silence on the atrocities in Gaza? Thousands of women and children are being killed, even humanitarian aid convoys are being blocked. Are the people of Gaza not human? Five trucks of food cannot possibly solve the crisis. Even the ruins used as shelters are being bombed.
Which groups or sectors in Syria will benefit most from this decision? Will the Syrian economy be affected?
The new Syrian government under Julani (now referred to by some as Ahmad al-Shar’a) is trying to incorporate dissenting groups and those harmed under Assad’s regime into its governance. While the government claims to represent all Syrians, minorities like the Kurds and Alawites remain marginalized or even repressed.
Economically, the Julani government has taken steps to improve the situation by opening up cooperation, especially with Arab countries. These steps include importing oil, exporting goods, revitalizing tourism, and rebuilding damaged infrastructure—all of which could positively impact Syria’s economy.
What about Turkey’s economic role in Syria given its support for Julani?
Until now, Turkey has dominated the Syrian market, but it seems that the UAE and Saudi Arabia will play more prominent roles in infrastructure and economic projects going forward. This points to expanded influence and deepened connections. However, ideological differences between Arab and Turkish (especially Muslim Brotherhood-linked) perspectives may spark future tensions.
What is the main reason for the U.S. shift toward Julani, and could the partial lifting of sanctions indicate new political negotiations?
Julani was once a governor in Idlib, and his associates trained him to drop the terror-era brutality and adopt a more people-friendly approach once he gained power.
It appears that Iran’s era of influence in Syria is over. Despite heavy human and financial investments, Iran failed to secure a lasting presence. The new Syrian government, despite having suffered repression allegedly due to Iran’s involvement, has taken no public stance against Iran—though Iran has effectively been pushed out of the equation.
As Iran’s influence ended, others welcomed Julani. He rebranded himself, adopted democratic rhetoric, and began hosting diplomatic delegations.
In short, what Iran could have achieved through cooperative diplomacy over the years was lost. It instead positioned itself against everyone, paid the price, and was ultimately left out—while others, like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with major investments, reclaimed Syria. Even Donald Trump, with financial backing from Saudi Arabia, shifted his stance and endorsed the new Syrian government.
