Trump notifies Congress of plan to remove Syria from US terrorism list after 46 years

US President Donald Trump has formally informed Congress of his administration's decision to remove Syria from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list, initiating a mandatory 45-day review period under US law. This follows Trump's May 2025 announcement during a Saudi Arabia visit to lift sanctions on Syria, with most US sanctions revoked on July 1, 2025. The terrorism designation has been in place since 1979, imposing restrictions on US foreign aid, defense exports, and financial dealings with Damascus.

The move excludes targeted sanctions against former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, senior officials, human rights violators, Captagon traffickers, Syria's former weapons programs, and terrorist groups including ISIS and al-Qaeda affiliates. It also maintains sanctions on Iran and its proxy groups.

If Congress does not challenge the proposal within 45 days, Syria will officially cease to be classified as a State Sponsor of Terrorism, marking a significant shift in Washington's policy toward Damascus. The White House states this aims to support Syria's reconstruction while preserving individual accountability measures.

This diplomatic recalibration could influence regional stability dynamics affecting North Africa and the Sahel—areas with historical ties to Syria. Policy changes of this magnitude often precede shifts in international development and trade partnerships that may indirectly impact global economic conditions affecting Nigeria's international engagements.

Will this policy shift influence how African nations approach diplomatic reconstruction efforts with countries emerging from conflict?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/07/09/trump-moves-to-remove-syria-from-us-terrorism-list/