World · India Bureau
United States removes Syria from terrorism sponsor list after 45 years
The US State Department has delisted Syria from its state sponsors of terrorism designation, marking a significant diplomatic shift after nearly five decades. The move also includes the removal of al-Nusrah Front, now known as Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, from the global terrorist organisations list.
LSN India ·
The United States has formally removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, ending a decades-long designation that has shaped US-Syrian relations since the late 1970s. The decision represents a notable change in American foreign policy toward the Middle Eastern nation, signalling a potential opening in diplomatic engagement.
The State Department's action also resulted in the delisting of al-Nusrah Front, a militant group now operating under the name Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, from its designations of foreign terrorist organisations. The removal of the Syrian group from terrorism lists indicates shifting assessments regarding the country's current geopolitical status and alignment.
The delisting comes amid broader regional developments in Syria, where recent political transitions have altered the strategic landscape. The designation had previously restricted US engagement with Damascus and imposed various sanctions on Syrian entities and officials.
The decision carries implications for potential future US-Syrian relations and could influence economic and diplomatic interactions in the region. Regional observers note that the move may reflect changing assessments of Syria's role in counterterrorism efforts and geopolitical realignments in the Middle East.
The delisting does not immediately resolve other outstanding US concerns regarding Syria, including humanitarian issues and regional stability. American policymakers have indicated that engagement remains conditional on Syrian conduct in various areas of concern to Washington.