Over the last few weeks, the relationship between the United States and Syria has changed rather dramatically.
President DonaldTrump appears to be embracing the country’s new leader, even agreeing to lift sanctions that were in place against Syria.
This is all being done in the hopes of using Syria as a major player in Trump’s quest to achieve peace in the Middle East before he leaves office.
I have to admit, I was stunned when Trump called the new leader of Syria, President Ahmed al-Shara of Syria, “young, attractive,” and “tough.”
That is not exactly how I would have described the man who formerly led a terrorist organization.
Trump, however, seems to believe he has turned over a new leaf, and the president is now willing to push all his chips in the middle of the table on that belief.
In a new order, Trump stated, “The United States is committed to supporting a Syria that is stable, unified, and at peace with itself and its neighbors. A united Syria that does not offer a safe haven for terrorist organizations and ensures the security of its religious and ethnic minorities will support regional security and prosperity.”
The change by Trump on Syria was notable, having only months before posted, “Syria is a mess, but is not our friend. THE UNITED STATES SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT.”
But, on June 30, Trump lifted most sanctions that were in place against Syria, believing the former Al Qaeda leader was the future and he could help the White House broker peace in the Middle East.
Dr. Neil Quilliam, an associate fellow with the Middle East and North Africa program at Chatham House, was stunned by the decision, stating, “It is still hard to comprehend that the so-called leader of the free world shook hands with the man who led Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.”
He later added that the removal of the sanctions “will allow the unfreezing of Syria’s international assets, enable foreign businesses to re-enter key sectors such as construction, energy and trade, and restore Damascus’s access to global financial systems and credit.”
The administration is adamant that the sanctions worked, and Syria will now be a real partner to the United States.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, "This is another promise made and promise kept by this president. He’s committed to supporting a Syria that is stable, unified, and at peace with itself and its neighbors."
David Schenker, former assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern Affairs and now a senior fellow at the Washington Institute, added, "The sanctions did their job. They were crippling by and large. There’s zero economic life in the country. But Trump is giving Syria a chance to succeed."
Trump has had a great feel for the Middle East dating back to his first term. I think he deserves the benefit of the doubt here, but I am definitely on record saying this is a very risky move. I hope it works out because the amount of money the United States can save if the Middle East enjoys peace is staggering and would surely go a long way to chipping away at our $37 trillion national debt.