WASHINGTON, 25 August, 2026 (Kamran Raja): The United States has removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, lifting a major obstacle to investment and economic engagement as Washington moves to deepen ties with Syria’s new government. The decision, posted on the US Treasury Department’s website, took effect after a 45-day congressional review period. US President Donald Trump had formally notified Congress on July 8 of his intention to rescind Syria’s designation.US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the decision reflected positive steps and further commitments by the Syrian government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa to fully distance the country from acts of international terrorism. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani said the removal of the designation would help reconnect Syria with the global financial and economic system and encourage foreign investment. He described the move as the removal of the “last obstacle” to investment, business activity and economic reconstruction in Syria. Syria had remained on the US list since 1979, when Washington accused the government of former President Hafez al-Assad of supporting militant groups. The designation continued throughout the rule of his son, Bashar al-Assad. Bashar al-Assad was ousted in December 2024 by rebels led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, who later became Syria’s president.The removal of Syria from the terrorism sponsor list marks a significant shift in US policy toward Damascus and could provide greater opportunities for international investment, trade and economic reconstruction in the war-torn country.