US Removes Syria From Arms Export Ban as Trump Admin Draws Closer to New Syrian Government/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ The Trump administration is removing Syria from a U.S. arms export blacklist as Washington strengthens relations with the new government in Damascus. Effective Thursday, requests for American weapons and munitions will be reviewed individually rather than face a blanket policy of denial. The decision follows economic sanctions relief, the removal of Syria’s terrorism designation and plans to reopen the U.S. Embassy.
Quick Look
- Arms restrictions eased: Syria will no longer face a blanket denial policy for U.S. weapons export licenses and related approvals.
- Individual reviews: Arms sales requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis beginning Thursday.
- Regulatory change: The State Department announced the amendment to its International Traffic in Arms Regulations in the Federal Register.
- Earlier sanctions relief: Trump eased longstanding economic sanctions on Syria last year.
- Terrorism designation removed: Secretary of State Marco Rubio rescinded Syria’s state sponsor of terrorism designation in August.
- Embassy reopening planned: Washington intends to reopen its Damascus embassy after 14 years of closure.
- Regional security stakes: The departure of U.S. troops from Iraq could increase Syria’s role in preventing an Islamic State resurgence.
Deep Look
Washington Changes Its Arms Export Policy Toward Syria
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration is removing Syria from the list of countries subject to a blanket denial policy for purchases and imports of American weaponry.
The State Department announced the change in a notice published Wednesday in the Federal Register, amending the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, known as ITAR.
Beginning Thursday, applications involving arms sales to Syria will receive case-by-case consideration. The change allows requests to be reviewed but does not automatically approve weapons transfers.
The decision marks another step in Washington’s efforts to ease restrictions on Syria’s new government and its leadership.
Decision Follows Sanctions Relief and Terrorism Delisting
President Donald Trump moved last year to ease economic sanctions imposed on Syria over decades under former President Bashar Assad.
In August, Secretary of State Marco Rubio rescinded the country’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, helping clear the way for the latest arms export policy change.
Together, the measures reflect the administration’s growing engagement with the government in Damascus.
US Plans to Reopen Embassy in Damascus
The State Department has also announced plans to reopen the U.S. Embassy in Syria’s capital.
The embassy has been closed for 14 years. Its planned reopening would provide a diplomatic presence as Washington develops relations with the country’s post-Assad leadership.
Seven Countries Remain Under Arms Export Denial Policy
Following Syria’s removal, seven countries remain on the ITAR list subject to the policy of denial for U.S. arms export licenses and related approvals.
They are Belarus, China, Cuba, Iran, Myanmar, North Korea and Venezuela.
Syria’s removal changes how its requests are assessed, shifting them from blanket denial to individual review.
Al-Sharaa’s Government Gains Washington’s Support
Syria's interim president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, is a former rebel leader who overthrew Assad’s government nearly two years ago.
His subsequent policy changes have impressed the Trump administration and encouraged hopes for greater stability after years of civil war and Islamic State violence.
The country’s recovery remains closely connected to regional security, including efforts to prevent extremist groups from rebuilding their strength.
Iraq Withdrawal Could Increase Syria’s Security Role
The completion Wednesday of the U.S. troop withdrawal from Iraq adds another consideration to Washington’s relationship with Damascus.
The departure could leave the Syrian government playing a greater role in efforts to prevent an Islamic State resurgence.
That potential responsibility comes as the United States eases restrictions and expands diplomatic engagement with Syria’s leadership.
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