Trump Considers Lifting Sanctions on Syria to 'Give Them a Fresh Start'

President Donald Trump announced on May 12, 2025, that he is considering easing U.S. sanctions on Syria to provide the war-torn nation with a "fresh start." This statement came after discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who advocated for the removal of economic penalties to aid Syria's recovery following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad's regime. The potential policy shift has garnered mixed reactions: Syria's foreign ministry welcomed the move as a step toward ending the suffering of its people, while Israel expressed caution over warming ties with Syria's new leadership. The Trump administration is weighing the implications of such a decision, considering both humanitarian concerns and geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East.