US Removes Syria From Terror Supporters List After 47 Years, Opening Door to Investment

After 47 years on the list, the United States has officially removed Syria from its roster of state sponsors of terrorism. This decision eliminates key barriers to private sector investments in Syria and facilitates its reintegration into the global economy. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the move recognizes positive steps taken by the Syrian government to distance itself from international terrorism, offering Syrians "a path to prosperity." The decision coincides with the Trump administration's warming ties to Syria's new president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, whose former group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, was also removed from the global terrorist organizations list. This group led the 2024 rebel offensive that toppled former President Bashar al-Assad's regime and severed ties with al-Qaeda in 2016. Its members now play a central role in al-Sharaa's transitional government. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant said the action will encourage further investments to promote political and economic stability in Syria. Syrian Foreign Minister Assad Hassan al-Shibani called the move "historic," pledging continued efforts to end isolation and foster transparency, mutual interests, and respect. Syria had been on the US terror list since 1979; with its removal, only Cuba, North Korea, and Iran remain. This US step may mark a new phase in attempts to draw Syria closer to American influence amid regional security challenges and tensions with neighbors Israel and Turkey.