The Trump administration has decided to revoke the terrorism designation of a group led by Syria’s new president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, as part of increased engagement with the transitional government after the removal of former leader Bashar Assad late last year. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the move in a statement released on Monday, with the revocation due to take effect on Tuesday, citing the positive actions taken by the new Syrian government. The decision, made in consultation with the attorney general and treasury secretary on June 23, aims to support Syria’s efforts to rebuild after years of civil war and end its isolation following the ouster of the Assad family. The group, formerly known as the al-Nusrah Front and later renamed Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, had been designated as a foreign terrorist organization due to its past ties with al-Qaida. The move comes as part of broader efforts by the Trump administration to ease sanctions imposed during Assad’s rule and improve relations with Syria. President Trump recently signed an executive order lifting many economic sanctions on Syria, while maintaining sanctions on Assad, his associates, and entities involved in human rights abuses, drug trafficking, or Syria’s chemical weapons program. The administration has temporarily waived additional sanctions imposed by the Caesar Act, but permanent repeal would require congressional action.
