The Syrian government has been officially removed from the list of countries sponsoring terrorism by the U.S. government. This decision comes after almost a year following the ousting of former president Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
Syria was added to the list in 2012 during Assad’s rule amid a long-standing conflict that started in March 2011, resulting in massive casualties and displacement of millions of people.
The new Syrian administration, led by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former Islamist militant leader, has been actively working to reintegrate the country into the global community.
Canada has also delisted al-Sharaa’s group, Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, an offshoot of al-Qaeda, from its roster of terrorist organizations, emphasizing that this decision was made with the safety and security of Canadians as the top priority.
According to a statement from Global Affairs Canada, these actions align with similar moves by allies like the U.S. and the U.K., while acknowledging the Syrian transitional government’s efforts to stabilize the country, ensure an inclusive future for its citizens, and collaborate internationally to combat terrorism.
Recently, a delegation from the United Nations Security Council, representing 15 member states, visited Syria to foster trust and dialogue. Samuel Zbogar, the president of the Security Council and Slovenia’s U.N. representative, expressed hope for progress following their meetings with Syrian officials, UN personnel, civil society representatives, and religious leaders affected by sectarian violence.
In a significant gesture, U.S. President Donald Trump hosted al-Sharaa at the White House last month, signaling a positive shift in relations after lifting sanctions on the Syrian leader.
