US Removes Syrian President From Terrorism Blacklist

US Removes Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa From Terrorism Blacklist.
Sharaa meets Trump Monday for key Washington talks.
Move signals shift in US engagement with Syria.

The United States government has officially removed Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa from its terrorism blacklist, days before his scheduled visit to Washington.

The State Department confirmed the decision on Friday, describing it as a recognition of the “substantial reforms” under Syria’s new leadership following the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

EDITOR’S PICKS

EKO HOT BLOG reports that State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said the move reflects a shift in Washington’s engagement strategy with Damascus after decades of strained relations.

“These actions are being taken in recognition of the progress demonstrated by the Syrian leadership after the departure of Bashar al-Assad and more than 50 years of repression under the Assad regime,” Pigott stated.

He explained that Sharaa’s administration had fulfilled several key conditions set by the US, including cooperation on locating missing American citizens and verifiable steps toward eliminating remaining chemical weapons.

Ahmed al-Sharaa, who once had links to Al-Qaeda and was listed as a “Specially Designated Global Terrorist,” has undergone a remarkable political transformation since seizing power last year. His rise followed a swift military campaign backed by Turkey and key Gulf nations that dismantled the remnants of Assad’s government.

US officials confirmed that Sharaa would visit the White House on Monday for talks with President Donald Trump. The meeting is expected to focus on Syria’s political transition, regional stability, and ongoing reconstruction efforts.

The development marks a major turning point in US-Syria relations, with Washington signalling cautious optimism toward Sharaa’s leadership and its efforts to restore peace and rebuild the war-torn nation.