US removes Syria from terrorism list after 46 years - what it means for the Middle East country

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa said in a video message that Syria is ‘shaking off a dark burden’ (File photo) The United States on Monday removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, ending a designation that had been in place since 1979 and imposing significant restrictions on trade, investment and financial transactions with the country.The move, which followed a 45-day congressional review, marks a further step in Washington’s efforts to deepen ties with Syria’s new government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The US also revoked the designation of the Nusrah Front, later known as Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist organisation. The Treasury Department announced corresponding sanctions relief.“These actions were all taken in recognition of the positive actions taken and further commitments by the Syrian government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa to fully distance Syria from acts of international terrorism,” US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement.Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the measures would encourage investment and support Syria’s economic recovery. “Today's action will help foster additional investme...