<p>Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa has recently praised his wife Latifa al-Droubi, saying she has been a pillar of support when his resistance forces fought against the regime of ousted president Bashar al-Assad for over a decade.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Al-Sharaa, who has made several high-profile public appearances with his wife during his state visits, has revealed in recent interviews that the couple had lived in remote mountains and caves, and frequently changed residences due to the political turmoil in Syria.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Latifa lived in caves, shelters, chicken coops</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Latifa "lived with me in 49 different homes and followed me from caves to shelters, even chicken coops," said al-Sharaa, who assumed office as transitional president of Syria after the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Latifa's appearances, after being hidden from public view till a few months ago, raised a significant public interest in her. &nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Here is what you should know about Latifa al-Droubi.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Who is Latifa al-Droubi, Syrian First Lady?</h2><p><br>Born in 1984 in Al-Qaryatayn, a rural town in Syria's Homs governorate, Latifa comes from a politically well-known family of Syria.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The mother of three sons has a master's degree in Arabic language and literature.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Hailing from an influential family</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Latifa comes from the influential al-Droubi family, whose political history can be traced back to the Ottoman Empire era.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>One of Latifa's ancestors was Alaa Al-Din Al-Droubi, according to Turkish media reports.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>He was Syria’s second prime minister in 1920 under King Faisal I, but had only a month's stint before being assassinated.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Latifa is also reportedly a relative of the Syrian Islamic scholar Sheikh Abdul Ghafar Al-Droubi.</p><h2><br>How Latifa and al-Shaara met</h2><h2>&nbsp;</h2><p>According to reports, Latifa and her future husband, al-Sharaa, met while both were Damascus University students.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>They married in 2012, just a year into the Syrian civil war, and from then on, she led a low-profile life.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>According to al-Shaara, he often asked her to move to safer places, but she refused.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Observers have pointed out that al-Shaara is taking his wife to high-profile state visits like those in Saudi Arabia and Turkey as he wants to project a more moderate image of his transitional government.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Who is Latifa al Droubi, Syrian leader Ahmed al Sharaas wife? Born in 1984 in al Qaryatayn, a rural town in Syrias Homs governorate, Latifa comes from a politically well-known family of Syria 

Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa has recently praised his wife Latifa al-Droubi, saying she has been a pillar of support when his resistance forces fought against the regime of ousted president Bashar al-Assad for over a decade. Al-Sharaa, who has made several high-profile public appearances with his wife during his state visits, has revealed in recent interviews that the couple had lived in remote mountains and caves, and frequently changed residences due to the political turmoil in Syria. Latifa lived in caves, shelters, chicken coops Latifa "lived with me in 49 different homes and followed me from caves to shelters, even chicken coops," said al-Sharaa, who assumed office as transitional president of Syria after the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024. Latifa's appearances, after being hidden from public view till a few months ago, raised a significant public interest in her. Here is what you should know about Latifa al-Droubi. Who is Latifa al-Droubi, Syrian First Lady? Born in 1984 in Al-Qaryatayn, a rural town in Syria's Homs governorate, Latifa comes from a politically well-known family of Syria. The mother of three sons has a master's degree in Arabic language and literature. Hailing from an influential family Latifa comes from the influential al-Droubi family, whose political history can be traced back to the Ottoman Empire era. One of Latifa's ancestors was Alaa Al-Din Al-Droubi, according to Turkish media reports. He was Syria’s second prime minister in 1920 under King Faisal I, but had only a month's stint before being assassinated. Latifa is also reportedly a relative of the Syrian Islamic scholar Sheikh Abdul Ghafar Al-Droubi. How Latifa and al-Shaara met According to reports, Latifa and her future husband, al-Sharaa, met while both were Damascus University students. They married in 2012, just a year into the Syrian civil war, and from then on, she led a low-profile life. According to al-Shaara, he often asked her to move to safer places, but she refused. Observers have pointed out that al-Shaara is taking his wife to high-profile state visits like those in Saudi Arabia and Turkey as he wants to project a more moderate image of his transitional government.

<p>Al-Sharaa, who has made several high-profile public appearances with his wife during his state visits, has revealed in recent interviews that the couple had lived in remote mountains and caves, and frequently changed residences due to the political turmoil in Syria.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

'She lived with me in caves, shelters, even chicken coops': Who is Latifa al-Droubi, Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa's wife?

<p>US President Donald Trump is on his way back to Washington DC after his&nbsp;<span>three-nation&nbsp;</span>Middle East tour. Trump visited Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and sealed several investment deals in what is being seen as a new era for the US-Middle East relationship. From meeting Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh to visiting a mosque in Abu Dhabi to getting involved in the controversy of "gift diplomacy," Trump's Middle East trip showed his newfound affection for the region vis-a-vis business prospects as well as his aim to expand Abraham Accords and take credit similar to the one in his first term.</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-meets-ahmed-al-sharaa-becomes-first-us-president-to-meet-syrian-leader-in-25-years-see-pics-9067927">Donald Trump meets Ahmed al-Sharaa, becomes first US president to meet Syrian leader in 25 years: See pics</a></strong></p>
<h2>Top 6 points from his trip&nbsp;</h2>
<p>1. <strong>Geopolitical shift for Syria:</strong> In what may be called a major geopolitical shift and an unexpected moment in the contemporary history of Syria, US President Donald Trump met Syria's leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in the Saudi capital Riyadh, shook hands with him and said, "y<span>oung, attractive guy. Tough guy. Strong past. Very strong past. Fighter. He&rsquo;s got a real shot at pulling it together." T</span>he US president also announced the lifting of Assad-era sanctions on Syria and urged al-Sharaa to recognise Israel, intending to expand his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-donald-trumps-middle-east-man-jared-kushner-working-behind-the-scenes-for-expansion-of-abraham-accords-9058520" rel="dofollow">Abraham Accords.</a></p>
<p><strong>Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/starlink-tesla-optimus-and-more-why-was-elon-musk-in-saudi-arabia-during-trumps-west-asia-visit-9067875">Starlink, Tesla robots and more: Here's why Elon Musk accompanied Trump in his Saudi Arabia visit</a></strong></p>
<p>2. <strong>Big deals announced:</strong> <span>Qatar Airways signed a massive deal with US-based Boeing to purchase 160 jets, worth $200 billion. He announced defence deals in Riyadh and said that the total investments from the three nations he visited could reach as high as $4 trillion. Qatar and the US agreed on a $1.2 trillion &ldquo;economic exchange&rdquo;; Saudi promised to invest $600 billion, and major projects were signed with the United Arab Emirates, after Abu Dhabi in March committed to a 10-year, $1.4 trillion investment framework in the US.<br></span></p>
<p><strong>Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-al-qaeda-terrorist-to-trumps-tough-attractive-guy-story-of-syrian-president-ahmed-al-sharaa-9073460">From al-Qaeda terrorist to Trump's 'tough attractive guy': Story of Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>3. Iran Nuclear Deal: </strong>Trump made sure to bring up the topic of nuclear negotiations with Iran on several occasions as he toured through the Middle East. While he slammed Iran by calling it the "<span>biggest and most destructive force", he also said, "I have a feeling it&rsquo;s going to work out." Trump also praised Qatar and said that Iran is "</span>very lucky" to have such an ally.</p>
<p><strong>Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-afghanistan-bagram-air-base-canada-list-of-places-us-president-wants-to-take-over-9075480">Trump's obsession now reaches Afghanistan's Bagram Air Base: List of places US president wants to take over</a></strong></p>
<p>4.<strong> Russia-Ukraine talks: </strong>As Trump toured the Middle East, Russia and Ukraine planned for talks in Turkey. Suspense over Russian president Vladimir Putin's presence in Istanbul continued till the last moment and his no-show became the biggest headline. Later, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also cancelled his visit and talks were held between delegations of the two countries. Amid these developments, a confident Trump said, "And he wasn&rsquo;t gonna go &hellip; He wasn&rsquo;t going if I wasn&rsquo;t there. And I don&rsquo;t believe anything will happen, whether you like it or not until he and I get together. But we are gonna have to get it solved because too many people are dying."</p>
<p>5.<strong> Suffering in Gaza:</strong> Trump did not meet his biggest regional ally, Israel during this tour. In a rare acknowledgement of the sufferings in Gaza, Trump said, "There&rsquo;s a lot of people starving, a lot of bad things going on."</p>
<p>6. <strong>Grand welcome and bonhomie:</strong> From Riyadh to Abu Dhabi, Trump received a grand welcome and his bonhomie with the Gulf leaders was picture-perfect. In Riyadh, royal-purple-carpet was rolled out for the US president, and Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman broke royal protocol by personally greeting the president on the tarmac. In Abu Dhabi, he received a traditional Emirati welcome including a hair-flip&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-donald-trump-welcomed-in-uae-abu-dhabi-with-traditional-hair-flip-al-ayyala-dance-middle-east-trip-9072331" rel="dofollow">Al-Ayyala</a> dance and visited the Abrahamic Family House and mosque calling it all an "incredible culture." In Doha, Trump&rsquo;s motorcade from the airport was flanked by bright red Tesla,&nbsp;cybertrucks and riders on horseback.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

From stepping into a mosque to meeting Syria's president who had his past in al-Qaeda, from business deals to Abraham Accords, here are the top highlights of US President Donald Trump's Middle East tour. World

US President Donald Trump is on his way back to Washington DC after his three-nation Middle East tour. Trump visited Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and sealed several investment deals in what is being seen as a new era for the US-Middle East relationship. From meeting Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh to visiting a mosque in Abu Dhabi to getting involved in the controversy of "gift diplomacy," Trump's Middle East trip showed his newfound affection for the region vis-a-vis business prospects as well as his aim to expand Abraham Accords and take credit similar to the one in his first term. Donald Trump meets Ahmed al-Sharaa, becomes first US president to meet Syrian leader in 25 years: See pics Top 6 points from his trip 1. Geopolitical shift for Syria: In what may be called a major geopolitical shift and an unexpected moment in the contemporary history of Syria, US President Donald Trump met Syria's leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in the Saudi capital Riyadh, shook hands with him and said, "young, attractive guy. Tough guy. Strong past. Very strong past. Fighter. He’s got a real shot at pulling it together." The US president also announced the lifting of Assad-era sanctions on Syria and urged al-Sharaa to recognise Israel, intending to expand his Abraham Accords. Read More | Starlink, Tesla robots and more: Here's why Elon Musk accompanied Trump in his Saudi Arabia visit 2. Big deals announced: Qatar Airways signed a massive deal with US-based Boeing to purchase 160 jets, worth $200 billion. He announced defence deals in Riyadh and said that the total investments from the three nations he visited could reach as high as $4 trillion. Qatar and the US agreed on a $1.2 trillion “economic exchange”; Saudi promised to invest $600 billion, and major projects were signed with the United Arab Emirates, after Abu Dhabi in March committed to a 10-year, $1.4 trillion investment framework in the US. Read More | From al-Qaeda terrorist to Trump's 'tough attractive guy': Story of Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa 3. Iran Nuclear Deal: Trump made sure to bring up the topic of nuclear negotiations with Iran on several occasions as he toured through the Middle East. While he slammed Iran by calling it the "biggest and most destructive force", he also said, "I have a feeling it’s going to work out." Trump also praised Qatar and said that Iran is "very lucky" to have such an ally. Read More | Trump's obsession now reaches Afghanistan's Bagram Air Base: List of places US president wants to take over 4. Russia-Ukraine talks: As Trump toured the Middle East, Russia and Ukraine planned for talks in Turkey. Suspense over Russian president Vladimir Putin's presence in Istanbul continued till the last moment and his no-show became the biggest headline. Later, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also cancelled his visit and talks were held between delegations of the two countries. Amid these developments, a confident Trump said, "And he wasn’t gonna go … He wasn’t going if I wasn’t there. And I don’t believe anything will happen, whether you like it or not until he and I get together. But we are gonna have to get it solved because too many people are dying." 5. Suffering in Gaza: Trump did not meet his biggest regional ally, Israel during this tour. In a rare acknowledgement of the sufferings in Gaza, Trump said, "There’s a lot of people starving, a lot of bad things going on." 6. Grand welcome and bonhomie: From Riyadh to Abu Dhabi, Trump received a grand welcome and his bonhomie with the Gulf leaders was picture-perfect. In Riyadh, royal-purple-carpet was rolled out for the US president, and Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman broke royal protocol by personally greeting the president on the tarmac. In Abu Dhabi, he received a traditional Emirati welcome including a hair-flip Al-Ayyala dance and visited the Abrahamic Family House and mosque calling it all an "incredible culture." In Doha, Trump’s motorcade from the airport was flanked by bright red Tesla, cybertrucks and riders on horseback.

Can Trump's Middle East tour be geopolitical shift for US? Top 6 takeaways from US president's major trip

The United States is preparing to ease some of its sanctions on Syria. This follows President Donald Trump's announcement earlier this week that all sanctions on Damascus would be lifted. A decision that reportedly caught much of his administration by surprise.

Washington prepares sanctions relief for Syria

Al-Sharaa Calls Sanctions Relief 'A Historic & Courageous Decision'

<p>In what may be called a major geopolitical shift and an unexpected moment in the contemporary history of West Asia, US President Donald Trump met Syria's leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Saudi capital Riyadh. Not only did Trump shake hands with Syria's interim president becoming the first leader in 25 years to meet the Syrian counterpart but also announced a major breakthrough by lifting the Assad era sanctions. Trump also went a step forward by urging this 'young, tough guy' to recognise Israel eyeing an expansion to Abraham Accords.&nbsp;</p>
<p>It remains to be seen if this meet between Trump and Al Sharaa opens the doors of new sunrise in Syria. Currently what's pathbreaking is America's embracing Ahmed al- Sharaa aka Abu Mohammad Al-Jolani: once an US designated terrorist whose Al-Nusra front was an offshoot of Osama Bin Laden's Al-Qaeda.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Ahmed Al- Sharaa: From terrorist to meeting Trump&nbsp;</h2>
<p>The world knew Abu Mohammad al-Julani, a designated terrorist, who was born in 1982 in Riyadh to Syrian parents originally from the Golan Heights. He became involved in jihadist movements during the early 2000s and joined al-Qaeda in Iraq amid the chaos of the US invasion and was later captured by American forces in 2006. After spending five years in detention, he returned to Syria as the civil war erupted in the aftermath of Arab Spring.</p>
<p>He founded the al-Nusra Front, an offshoot of al-Qaeda, which played a major role in the conflict. But by 2016, al-Sharaa publicly broke away from al-Qaeda, rebranding his organization as Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and signaling a shift toward a more localised Syrian agenda.</p>
<p>Ahmed al-Sharaa&rsquo;s rise to power in Syria was the result of a swift military campaign and a carefully managed political transition. In late 2024, forces loyal to al-Sharaa, under the banner of HTS, launched a major offensive against the Syrian Arab Army. This campaign culminated in the capture of Damascus on December 8, forcing then-President Bashar al-Assad to flee the country, seeking refuge in Russia.</p>
<p>Following the fall of the capital, al-Sharaa worked with key political figures, including former Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali, to form a transitional government. Mohammed al-Bashir was appointed to lead this interim administration, aiming to bring stability after years of conflict. Later, Ahmed Al-Sharaa was chosen as interim president.</p>
<p>Ahmed al-Sharaa, previously known by nom de guerre Abu Mohammad al-Julani, began using his real name in late 2024 as part of a deliberate effort to shift his public image. This transition came after the fall of Damascus and the departure of Bashar al-Assad from power. By reverting to his birth name, al-Sharaa signaled a departure from Al-Qaeda links so as to present himself as a legitimate political figure.</p>
<p>This name change was not merely symbolic&mdash;it was a strategic move aimed at gaining international recognition and distancing himself from past affiliations with al-Qaeda.&nbsp;</p>
<p>And he might not be wrong, Al-Sharaa might have rewritten Syria's contemporary history with that handshake with the president of United States in Riyadh. <span>"Attrative guy, tough guy, very strong past," is how Trump later described Sharaa to journalists.</span></p>

World | Ahmed al-Sharaa might have rewritten Syria's contemporary history with that handshake with Donald Trump, president of United States, in Riyadh: here's his journey from Al-Qaeda terrorist to Syrian president

In what may be called a major geopolitical shift and an unexpected moment in the contemporary history of West Asia, US President Donald Trump met Syria's leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Saudi capital Riyadh. Not only did Trump shake hands with Syria's interim president becoming the first leader in 25 years to meet the Syrian counterpart but also announced a major breakthrough by lifting the Assad era sanctions. Trump also went a step forward by urging this 'young, tough guy' to recognise Israel eyeing an expansion to Abraham Accords. It remains to be seen if this meet between Trump and Al Sharaa opens the doors of new sunrise in Syria. Currently what's pathbreaking is America's embracing Ahmed al- Sharaa aka Abu Mohammad Al-Jolani: once an US designated terrorist whose Al-Nusra front was an offshoot of Osama Bin Laden's Al-Qaeda. Ahmed Al- Sharaa: From terrorist to meeting Trump The world knew Abu Mohammad al-Julani, a designated terrorist, who was born in 1982 in Riyadh to Syrian parents originally from the Golan Heights. He became involved in jihadist movements during the early 2000s and joined al-Qaeda in Iraq amid the chaos of the US invasion and was later captured by American forces in 2006. After spending five years in detention, he returned to Syria as the civil war erupted in the aftermath of Arab Spring. He founded the al-Nusra Front, an offshoot of al-Qaeda, which played a major role in the conflict. But by 2016, al-Sharaa publicly broke away from al-Qaeda, rebranding his organization as Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and signaling a shift toward a more localised Syrian agenda. Ahmed al-Sharaa’s rise to power in Syria was the result of a swift military campaign and a carefully managed political transition. In late 2024, forces loyal to al-Sharaa, under the banner of HTS, launched a major offensive against the Syrian Arab Army. This campaign culminated in the capture of Damascus on December 8, forcing then-President Bashar al-Assad to flee the country, seeking refuge in Russia. Following the fall of the capital, al-Sharaa worked with key political figures, including former Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali, to form a transitional government. Mohammed al-Bashir was appointed to lead this interim administration, aiming to bring stability after years of conflict. Later, Ahmed Al-Sharaa was chosen as interim president. Ahmed al-Sharaa, previously known by nom de guerre Abu Mohammad al-Julani, began using his real name in late 2024 as part of a deliberate effort to shift his public image. This transition came after the fall of Damascus and the departure of Bashar al-Assad from power. By reverting to his birth name, al-Sharaa signaled a departure from Al-Qaeda links so as to present himself as a legitimate political figure. This name change was not merely symbolic—it was a strategic move aimed at gaining international recognition and distancing himself from past affiliations with al-Qaeda. And he might not be wrong, Al-Sharaa might have rewritten Syria's contemporary history with that handshake with the president of United States in Riyadh. "Attrative guy, tough guy, very strong past," is how Trump later described Sharaa to journalists.

From al-Qaeda terrorist to Trump's 'tough attractive guy': Story of Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa

<div data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">In a dramatic shift in Middle Eastern geopolitics, US President Donald Trump has announced the lifting of economic sanctions on Syria following his unexpected meeting with the country&rsquo;s new interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former militant leader with links to al-Qaeda.</div>
<div data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody"></div>
<div data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">The decision marks a major turning point in the US-Syria relationship, which could have far-reaching consequences across the region.</div>
<h2><b>What happened in Syria?</b></h2>
<div>After over a decade of civil war and the near-total collapse of governance, President Bashar al-Assad&rsquo;s regime was toppled in December by Islamist militia Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The group, once affiliated with al-Qaeda, staged a surprise advance into Damascus, forcing Assad and his family to flee to Russia.</div>
<div></div>
<div>HTS, now rebranded as a political movement, formed an interim government led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has attempted to present a moderate image and initiate the rebuilding of Syria. Street debates about democracy, governance, and civil liberties have emerged after decades of state repression.</div>
<div>However, Sharaa&rsquo;s administration is viewed with scepticism by many Syrians and global powers, due to the group&rsquo;s violent past. According to Human Rights Watch, HTS (previously the Nusra Front) was reportedly responsible for massacres of minority communities, including Alawites and Druze, during the conflict.</div>
<div></div>
<div>Sharaa now insists he is committed to safeguarding Syria&rsquo;s religious and ethnic diversity. &ldquo;There must be a legal framework that protects and ensures the rights of all,&rdquo; he told CNN.</div>
<h2><b>Why did Trump lift Syria sanctions?</b></h2>
<div>As per the Bloomberg report, Trump&rsquo;s decision came after weeks of lobbying from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, two of Sharaa&rsquo;s key regional backers. Meeting with Sharaa in Riyadh, Trump described him as a &ldquo;tough guy&rdquo; with &ldquo;potential&rdquo; and framed the move as giving Syria &ldquo;a chance at greatness.&rdquo;</div>
<div>Speaking at a major US-Saudi investment forum, Trump called the existing sanctions &ldquo;crippling&rdquo; and outdated. According to the White House summary, Trump urged Sharaa to normalise&nbsp;ties with Israel and &ldquo;expel all foreign terrorists&rdquo; from Syria.</div>
<div>Trump also criticised previous US administrations, claiming they were more interested in punishing leaders than negotiating change. &ldquo;We&rsquo;re not here to look into souls,&rdquo; he remarked. &ldquo;We&rsquo;re here to make deals.&rdquo;</div>
<h2><b>What were the US sanctions on Syria?</b></h2>
<div>US sanctions on Syria date back to 1979, when the country was designated a state sponsor of terrorism. The restrictions intensified after Syria&rsquo;s interference in Lebanon and support for Hezbollah.</div>
<div></div>
<div>In 2004, under President George W. Bush, the US further tightened sanctions, ending most exports to Syria. After Syria&rsquo;s brutal crackdown on Arab Spring protests in 2011, more sanctions followed under the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, targeting Syrian government officials, businesses, and sectors linked to Assad&rsquo;s military campaign and human rights abuses.</div>
<div></div>
<div>According to the US Department of the Treasury, these sanctions froze assets, blocked US investments, and barred financial transactions, effectively cutting Syria off from the international banking system.</div>
<h2><b>How did sanctions affect the Syrian economy?</b></h2>
<div>Syria&rsquo;s economy was already bleeding from years of war. The World Bank downgraded it to low-income status in 2018. The country&rsquo;s GDP collapsed by over 50 per cent between 2010 and 2020, according to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).</div>
<div></div>
<div>By 2023, over 90 per cent of Syrians lived in poverty, reports the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Access to fuel, medicine, electricity, and food was critically low. Public institutions barely functioned, and foreign investment dried up. Meanwhile, Syria&rsquo;s once-thriving agriculture sector&mdash;famed for olives and pistachios&mdash;was decimated.</div>
<div></div>
<div>Sanctions also indirectly boosted Syria&rsquo;s illicit economy. With trade routes blocked, the country turned into a regional hub for Captagon, a powerful, amphetamine-type drug, according to Europol and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).</div>
<div></div>
<div>By cutting Syria off from global financial institutions, sanctions hampered reconstruction and even aid operations. Humanitarian agencies complained of delays and operational costs rising due to restrictions on banking transactions, despite technical exemptions.</div>
<h2><b>What&rsquo;s next for US-Syria relations?</b></h2>
<div>Trump&rsquo;s face-to-face with Sharaa was the first US-Syria leader-level meeting in 25 years. It signals a dramatic shift in US policy, especially given Sharaa&rsquo;s militant past.</div>
<div></div>
<div>But it&rsquo;s also fraught with risks. HTS remains on the US Foreign Terrorist Organization list, and Sharaa&rsquo;s past includes links to al-Qaeda in Iraq and Syria. As recently as 2016, the US offered $10 million for his capture.</div>
<div></div>
<div>Critics fear Trump&rsquo;s engagement could legitimise extremist actors. But supporters argue this is a pragmatic step to stabilise the region, curb Iranian influence, and enable regional powers to shoulder Syria&rsquo;s reconstruction.</div>
<div></div>
<div>Whether lifting sanctions will bring lasting peace or empower a controversial leader remains uncertain. For now, Syrians are celebrating what many call their &ldquo;Liberation Day&rdquo; &mdash; hoping that relief from sanctions will translate into jobs, infrastructure, and dignity.</div>
<div></div>
<div>As the world watches, the road to Syria&rsquo;s recovery remains long, fragile, and deeply contested.</div>

Business & Economy: The move followed a landmark meeting with Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa during Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia.

In a dramatic shift in Middle Eastern geopolitics, US President Donald Trump has announced the lifting of economic sanctions on Syria following his unexpected meeting with the country’s new interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former militant leader with links to al-Qaeda. The decision marks a major turning point in the US-Syria relationship, which could have far-reaching consequences across the region. What happened in Syria? After over a decade of civil war and the near-total collapse of governance, President Bashar al-Assad’s regime was toppled in December by Islamist militia Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The group, once affiliated with al-Qaeda, staged a surprise advance into Damascus, forcing Assad and his family to flee to Russia. HTS, now rebranded as a political movement, formed an interim government led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has attempted to present a moderate image and initiate the rebuilding of Syria. Street debates about democracy, governance, and civil liberties have emerged after decades of state repression. However, Sharaa’s administration is viewed with scepticism by many Syrians and global powers, due to the group’s violent past. According to Human Rights Watch, HTS (previously the Nusra Front) was reportedly responsible for massacres of minority communities, including Alawites and Druze, during the conflict. Sharaa now insists he is committed to safeguarding Syria’s religious and ethnic diversity. “There must be a legal framework that protects and ensures the rights of all,” he told CNN. Why did Trump lift Syria sanctions? As per the Bloomberg report, Trump’s decision came after weeks of lobbying from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, two of Sharaa’s key regional backers. Meeting with Sharaa in Riyadh, Trump described him as a “tough guy” with “potential” and framed the move as giving Syria “a chance at greatness.” Speaking at a major US-Saudi investment forum, Trump called the existing sanctions “crippling” and outdated. According to the White House summary, Trump urged Sharaa to normalise ties with Israel and “expel all foreign terrorists” from Syria. Trump also criticised previous US administrations, claiming they were more interested in punishing leaders than negotiating change. “We’re not here to look into souls,” he remarked. “We’re here to make deals.” What were the US sanctions on Syria? US sanctions on Syria date back to 1979, when the country was designated a state sponsor of terrorism. The restrictions intensified after Syria’s interference in Lebanon and support for Hezbollah. In 2004, under President George W. Bush, the US further tightened sanctions, ending most exports to Syria. After Syria’s brutal crackdown on Arab Spring protests in 2011, more sanctions followed under the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, targeting Syrian government officials, businesses, and sectors linked to Assad’s military campaign and human rights abuses. According to the US Department of the Treasury, these sanctions froze assets, blocked US investments, and barred financial transactions, effectively cutting Syria off from the international banking system. How did sanctions affect the Syrian economy? Syria’s economy was already bleeding from years of war. The World Bank downgraded it to low-income status in 2018. The country’s GDP collapsed by over 50 per cent between 2010 and 2020, according to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). By 2023, over 90 per cent of Syrians lived in poverty, reports the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Access to fuel, medicine, electricity, and food was critically low. Public institutions barely functioned, and foreign investment dried up. Meanwhile, Syria’s once-thriving agriculture sector—famed for olives and pistachios—was decimated. Sanctions also indirectly boosted Syria’s illicit economy. With trade routes blocked, the country turned into a regional hub for Captagon, a powerful, amphetamine-type drug, according to Europol and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). By cutting Syria off from global financial institutions, sanctions hampered reconstruction and even aid operations. Humanitarian agencies complained of delays and operational costs rising due to restrictions on banking transactions, despite technical exemptions. What’s next for US-Syria relations? Trump’s face-to-face with Sharaa was the first US-Syria leader-level meeting in 25 years. It signals a dramatic shift in US policy, especially given Sharaa’s militant past. But it’s also fraught with risks. HTS remains on the US Foreign Terrorist Organization list, and Sharaa’s past includes links to al-Qaeda in Iraq and Syria. As recently as 2016, the US offered $10 million for his capture. Critics fear Trump’s engagement could legitimise extremist actors. But supporters argue this is a pragmatic step to stabilise the region, curb Iranian influence, and enable regional powers to shoulder Syria’s reconstruction. Whether lifting sanctions will bring lasting peace or empower a controversial leader remains uncertain. For now, Syrians are celebrating what many call their “Liberation Day” — hoping that relief from sanctions will translate into jobs, infrastructure, and dignity. As the world watches, the road to Syria’s recovery remains long, fragile, and deeply contested.

Trump lifts sanctions on Syria: What happened and what it means for the war-torn nation

Donald Trump considers easing sanctions on Syria, citing a desire to give the country a "fresh start". A report reveals Syria proposed a Trump Tower deal in Damascus, along with reshaping relations with Israel and a minerals deal similar to Ukraine.

Trump’s Embrace Of Syria And Its Jihadist-Turned-President Al-Sharaa

<p><span>Pakistan's Ministry of Water Resources sent a formal letter to India&rsquo;s Ministry of Jal Shakti, requesting a review of the decision to put the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance. India and Pakistan, in 1960, made a formal agreement, called the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/simla-agreement-to-indus-waters-treaty-list-of-bilateral-agreements-between-india-and-pakistan-since-1947-9001192" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">&nbsp;Indus Waters Treaty,&nbsp;</a>to decide how water would be shared between both countries from the Indus River.</span></p>
<p class="gh-post-page__excerpt">Donald Trump became the first US president in 25 years to meet a Syrian leader as he held a meeting with Ahmed al-Sharaa - the interim president of Syria in Saudi Arabia</p>
<p><strong>Click on the headlines for more</strong>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jittery-pakistan-feels-the-heat-pak-water-ministry-urges-india-to-review-its-move-on-indus-waters-treaty-9069004">Jittery Pakistan feels the heat? Pak water ministry urges India to review its move on Indus Waters Treaty</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/04/26/UWUEVTpnH7T7n7FVs1eQ.jpg" alt=" Pakistan threatens war against India over Indus waters! But will it march toward its own collapse? "></strong></p>
<p>Pakistan's Ministry of Water Resources sent a formal letter to India&rsquo;s Ministry of Jal Shakti, requesting a review of the decision to put the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance. India and Pakistan, in 1960, made a formal agreement, called the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/simla-agreement-to-indus-waters-treaty-list-of-bilateral-agreements-between-india-and-pakistan-since-1947-9001192" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">&nbsp;Indus Waters Treaty,&nbsp;</a>to decide how water would be shared between both countries from the Indus River.</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-in-qatar-after-meeting-syrian-leader-in-saudi-arabia-announces-200-billion-boeing-deal-9069455">Trump announces $200 billion Boeing deal in Qatar, expresses hope for Iran nuclear deal to Qatari emir</a></strong></p>
<p><img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/05/14/1Bbg0kybehnxznXl0B9Q.png" alt=" Photograph: (AFP) "></p>
<p><span>US President</span><span>&nbsp;Donald Trump reached Qatar on Wednesday (May 14) -his second stop on a tour of West Asia. All eyes are on his Qatar trip as he is likely to receive 'flying palace' as a gift.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/all-this-to-get-dinner-with-trump-and-vip-tour-chinese-linked-firm-raises-300-mn-to-buy-trump-meme-coin-9068555">All this to get dinner with Trump and VIP tour? Chinese-linked firm raises $300 mn to buy $TRUMP meme coin</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/05/14/swIJNbCRrweVpbzUP7c7.png" alt=" US President Donald Trump Photograph: (Reuters) "></strong></p>
<p>Chinese-linked firm GD Culture Group (GDC) has announced to raise $300 million in purchasing TRUMP tokens and Bitcoin, ahead of much-anticipated US President Donald Trump's crypto dinner.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-pm-shehbaz-sharif-copies-pm-modis-adampur-visit-goes-to-sialkot-air-base-9069143">Another copycat move: Pakistan's Shehbaz Sharif copies PM Modi's Adampur visit, goes to Sialkot air base</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/05/14/o5toxSkPA7t3Mifp0S24.png" alt=" Photograph: (X/Narendra Modi, Shehbaz Sharif, screenshot from DGMO briefing) "></strong></p>
<p><span>A day after the Indian Prime Minister&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modis-message-to-pakistan-with-indias-s-400-in-background-at-adampur-air-base-watch-9063607" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Narendra Modi visited the Adampur Air Base<span>&nbsp;</span></a><span>and sent a strong message to Pakistan with S-400 air defence system in the background, puncturing Islamabad's misinformation campaign,&nbsp;</span><span>Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Pasrur Cantonment in Sialkot.</span></p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-anita-anand-canadas-first-hindu-foreign-minister-and-will-indo-canada-ties-improve-under-her-9068394">Who is Anita Anand, Canada's first Hindu foreign minister: Will Indo-Canada ties improve under her</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/05/14/THCXxu6mFcj9i8f2fG9w.png" alt=" Anita Anand, Canada's first Hindu foreign minister Photograph: (Reuters) "></strong></p>
<p><strong><span>Anita Anand became the first Hindu woman to be appointed as Canada&rsquo;s new&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-origin-anita-anand-appointed-canadas-foreign-minister-in-carney-cabinet-overhaul-9065930" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">foreign minister.</a></strong><strong><span>She took her oath of office with her hand placed on the Bhagavad Gita.</span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/boycott-turkey-jnu-suspends-agreement-with-inonu-university-amid-recep-tayyip-erdogans-support-for-pakistan-9068846">Boycott Turkey | JNU suspends MoU with Inonu University amid Ankara's support for Pakistan, cites 'national security'</a></span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span><img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/05/14/tqYzmfzG6PGuEELhOZFM.png" alt=" Photograph: (PTI, Pexels,X) "></span></strong></p>
<p>The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on May 14 (Wednesday) cancelled an agreement with Turkey's Inonu University citing "national security" amid a nationwide call for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-travel-companies-suspend-bookings-to-turkey-and-azerbaijan-9068194" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">boycotting Turkey</a>&nbsp;over their support to Pakistan amid tensions with India.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-jem-chief-masood-azhar-india-pakistan-jaish-e-mohammad-terrorist-shehbaz-sharif-compensation-india-pak-war-9068389">Will Pakistan pay Rs 14,00,00,000 to terrorist Masood Azhar after India hit Jaish terror sites? What we know</a></strong></p>
<p><img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x0/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/05/07/WgKpc9KIy1XsuNf3QwBI.png" alt=" Masood Azhar Photograph: (Others) " style="width: 1280px;"></p>
<p><span>The Pakistan government is likely to compensate Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar, a UN-designated terrorist, with Rs 14 crore as he claimed that many of his family members were killed in India's targeted strike in Pakistan's Bahawalpur under Operation Sindoor.</span></p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/emmanuel-macron-gaza-supporting-murderous-terror-organisation-benjamin-netanyahu-accuses-french-president-blames-israel-for-blood-libels-9068939">Macron supporting 'murderous terror organisation', Netanyahu accuses after French president blames Israel for 'blood libels'</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/05/14/a77MnXw0gxiqquUsQcGV.png" alt=" French President Emmanuel Macron and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu Photograph: (Reuters) "></strong></p>
<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday (May 14) accused French President Emmanuel Macron of standing with a "murderous Islamist terrorist organization" after he blamed Israel for "blood libels".</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-time-olympic-medalist-neeraj-chopra-conferred-with-honorary-rank-of-lieutenant-colonel-in-territorial-army-9068770">Two-time Olympic medalist Neeraj Chopra conferred with honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in Territorial Army</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/04/25/rznslwzjz31CvzNXJ2Kl.png" alt=" Neeraj Chopra Photograph: (X/Neeraj Chopra) "></strong></p>
<p><strong><span>Two-time Olympic gold medalist and India's javelin ace thrower,&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/neeraj-chopra" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Neeraj Chopra</a><span>, has been conferred with the honorary rank of&nbsp;Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army.&nbsp;</span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/cannes-film-festival-what-happened-on-cannes-day-1-rules-broken-on-red-carpet-de-niro-gets-honorary-palme-dor-9067508">Cannes film festival: What happened on day 1 - rules broken on red carpet, De Niro gets honorary Palme d'Or</a></span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span><img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x960/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/05/14/first-day-of-cannes-135972.png" alt="First day of Cannes"></span></strong></p>
<div class="story-highlightshead">
<p class="gh-post-page__excerpt">The prestigious Cannes Film Festival has begun, with celebrities from all walks of life coming together to celebrate the best-of-the-best cinema. Check out all the updates from day one of the festival here.</p>
</div>

Here are the top 10 stories from across the world.

Pakistan's Ministry of Water Resources sent a formal letter to India’s Ministry of Jal Shakti, requesting a review of the decision to put the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance. India and Pakistan, in 1960, made a formal agreement, called the Indus Waters Treaty, to decide how water would be shared between both countries from the Indus River. Donald Trump became the first US president in 25 years to meet a Syrian leader as he held a meeting with Ahmed al-Sharaa - the interim president of Syria in Saudi Arabia Click on the headlines for more Jittery Pakistan feels the heat? Pak water ministry urges India to review its move on Indus Waters Treaty Pakistan's Ministry of Water Resources sent a formal letter to India’s Ministry of Jal Shakti, requesting a review of the decision to put the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance. India and Pakistan, in 1960, made a formal agreement, called the Indus Waters Treaty, to decide how water would be shared between both countries from the Indus River. Trump announces $200 billion Boeing deal in Qatar, expresses hope for Iran nuclear deal to Qatari emir US President Donald Trump reached Qatar on Wednesday (May 14) -his second stop on a tour of West Asia. All eyes are on his Qatar trip as he is likely to receive 'flying palace' as a gift. All this to get dinner with Trump and VIP tour? Chinese-linked firm raises $300 mn to buy $TRUMP meme coin Chinese-linked firm GD Culture Group (GDC) has announced to raise $300 million in purchasing TRUMP tokens and Bitcoin, ahead of much-anticipated US President Donald Trump's crypto dinner. Another copycat move: Pakistan's Shehbaz Sharif copies PM Modi's Adampur visit, goes to Sialkot air base A day after the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Adampur Air Base and sent a strong message to Pakistan with S-400 air defence system in the background, puncturing Islamabad's misinformation campaign, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Pasrur Cantonment in Sialkot. Who is Anita Anand, Canada's first Hindu foreign minister: Will Indo-Canada ties improve under her Anita Anand became the first Hindu woman to be appointed as Canada’s new foreign minister.She took her oath of office with her hand placed on the Bhagavad Gita. Boycott Turkey | JNU suspends MoU with Inonu University amid Ankara's support for Pakistan, cites 'national security' The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on May 14 (Wednesday) cancelled an agreement with Turkey's Inonu University citing "national security" amid a nationwide call for boycotting Turkey over their support to Pakistan amid tensions with India. Will Pakistan pay Rs 14,00,00,000 to terrorist Masood Azhar after India hit Jaish terror sites? What we know The Pakistan government is likely to compensate Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar, a UN-designated terrorist, with Rs 14 crore as he claimed that many of his family members were killed in India's targeted strike in Pakistan's Bahawalpur under Operation Sindoor. Macron supporting 'murderous terror organisation', Netanyahu accuses after French president blames Israel for 'blood libels' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday (May 14) accused French President Emmanuel Macron of standing with a "murderous Islamist terrorist organization" after he blamed Israel for "blood libels". Two-time Olympic medalist Neeraj Chopra conferred with honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in Territorial Army Two-time Olympic gold medalist and India's javelin ace thrower, Neeraj Chopra, has been conferred with the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army. Cannes film festival: What happened on day 1 - rules broken on red carpet, De Niro gets honorary Palme d'Or The prestigious Cannes Film Festival has begun, with celebrities from all walks of life coming together to celebrate the best-of-the-best cinema. Check out all the updates from day one of the festival here.

Top 10 world news: Pakistan urges India to review its move on Indus Waters Treaty; Trump in Qatar, and more

World | Donald Trump became the first US president in 25 years to meet a Syrian leader as he held a meeting with Ahmed al-Sharaa - the interim president of Syria

Donald Trump meets Ahmed al-Sharaa, becomes first US president to meet Syrian leader in 25 years: See pics

Donald Trump, US President, announces plan to lift sanctions on Syria after Assad's fall

US President Donald Trump announces plan to lift saanctions on Syria after Assad's fall

<p>President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday (May 13) that the United States will remove all sanctions on Syria at the behest of Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s crown prince as the new interim Syrian President, Ahmed al-Sharaa, seeks to bring stability in the war-torn country.</p>
<p>&ldquo;I will be ordering the cessation of sanctions against Syria in order to give them a chance at greatness,&rdquo; Trump said while addressing the packed auditorium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking his first appearance during the four-day visit to the Middle East. The US president covered a range of topics in his speech, including his time in office and US-Middle East relations.</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-syrias-interim-president-ahmed-al-sharaa-shows-off-basketball-skills-in-viral-video-9041381">WATCH | Syria&rsquo;s interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa shows off basketball skills in viral video</a></strong></p>
<p>&ldquo;In Syria, which has seen so much misery and death, there is a new government that will hopefully succeed in stabilising the country and keeping peace. That&rsquo;s what we want to see,&rdquo; he said.</p>
<p>&ldquo;In Syria, they&rsquo;ve had their share of travesty, war, killing many years. That&rsquo;s why my administration has already taken the first steps toward restoring normal relations between the United States and Syria for the first time in more than a decade.&rdquo;</p>
<p><strong>Read more | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-holds-good-and-productive-phone-call-with-turkish-president-discuss-russia-ukraine-war-gaza-syria-9038408">Trump holds &lsquo;good and productive&rsquo; phone call with Turkish President, discuss Russia-Ukraine war, Gaza, Syria</a></strong></p>
<h2><strong>&lsquo;Brutal and crippling&rsquo; sanctions</strong></h2>
<p>Trump said that sanctions on Syrial were &ldquo;brutal and crippling,&rdquo; adding that they no longer served an important function.</p>
<p>&ldquo;Now, it&rsquo;s their time to shine,&rdquo; Trump said of Syria. &ldquo;We&rsquo;re taking them all off.&rdquo;</p>
<p>&ldquo;So I say, Good luck Syria. Show us something very special, like they&rsquo;ve done, frankly, in Saudi Arabia.&rdquo;</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-most-destructive-force-in-middle-east-trump-bashes-iran-for-causing-unthinkable-suffering-9065701">'Iran MOST DESTRUCTIVE force in Middle East': Trump bashes Iran for causing unthinkable suffering</a></strong></p>
<h2><strong>From Assad regime to Ahmed al-Sharaa&rsquo;s rule</strong></h2>
<p>The Middle Eastern nation has been designated a State Sponsor of Terrorism by the US since 1979. Syria was faced with additional sanctions by the US in 2004 and again in 2011, after the then-President Bashar al-Assad launched a crackdown on anti-government uprisings.</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-says-trumps-presence-at-peace-talks-would-prompt-putin-to-attend-9065417">Zelensky says Trump&rsquo;s presence at peace talks would prompt Putin to attend</a></strong></p>
<p>The Assad rule was overthrown by rebel forces led by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in December 2024 after more than 13 years of civil war, sectarian violence and deadly terrorist attacks. Following this, Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former Al Qaeda member who describes himself as reformed, was made the leader of the country&rsquo;s transitional government.</p>

Trump said that sanctions on Syrial were “brutal and crippling,” adding that they no longer served an important function. “Now, it’s their time to shine,” Trump said of Syria. “We’re taking them all off.” World

President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday (May 13) that the United States will remove all sanctions on Syria at the behest of Saudi Arabia’s crown prince as the new interim Syrian President, Ahmed al-Sharaa, seeks to bring stability in the war-torn country. “I will be ordering the cessation of sanctions against Syria in order to give them a chance at greatness,” Trump said while addressing the packed auditorium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking his first appearance during the four-day visit to the Middle East. The US president covered a range of topics in his speech, including his time in office and US-Middle East relations. Also read | WATCH | Syria’s interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa shows off basketball skills in viral video “In Syria, which has seen so much misery and death, there is a new government that will hopefully succeed in stabilising the country and keeping peace. That’s what we want to see,” he said. “In Syria, they’ve had their share of travesty, war, killing many years. That’s why my administration has already taken the first steps toward restoring normal relations between the United States and Syria for the first time in more than a decade.” Read more | Trump holds ‘good and productive’ phone call with Turkish President, discuss Russia-Ukraine war, Gaza, Syria ‘Brutal and crippling’ sanctions Trump said that sanctions on Syrial were “brutal and crippling,” adding that they no longer served an important function. “Now, it’s their time to shine,” Trump said of Syria. “We’re taking them all off.” “So I say, Good luck Syria. Show us something very special, like they’ve done, frankly, in Saudi Arabia.” Also read | 'Iran MOST DESTRUCTIVE force in Middle East': Trump bashes Iran for causing unthinkable suffering From Assad regime to Ahmed al-Sharaa’s rule The Middle Eastern nation has been designated a State Sponsor of Terrorism by the US since 1979. Syria was faced with additional sanctions by the US in 2004 and again in 2011, after the then-President Bashar al-Assad launched a crackdown on anti-government uprisings. Also read | Zelensky says Trump’s presence at peace talks would prompt Putin to attend The Assad rule was overthrown by rebel forces led by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in December 2024 after more than 13 years of civil war, sectarian violence and deadly terrorist attacks. Following this, Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former Al Qaeda member who describes himself as reformed, was made the leader of the country’s transitional government.

‘Now, it’s their time to shine’: Trump announces all US sanctions on Syria to be lifted

US-Syria relations: Trump weighs easing sanctions on Syria, explores business deals

<p>With the fall of the Assad regime, Syria&rsquo;s new government now controls almost the entire country, except for the northeast, where the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), once a key partner of the US in the fight against ISIS, continues to hold power. Although the region is often referred to as Kurdish-controlled, it is primarily home to an Arab tribal population. Understanding the region&rsquo;s demographics is critical to preventing policy that could destabilize the region and lead to unforeseen geopolitical consequences.</p>
<h2>The Demographics of Northeast Syria</h2>
<p><br>The M4 highway, which runs parallel to the Turkish border and extends toward Iraq, is one of Syria&rsquo;s two major economic routes and divides northeast Syria into two regions. Except for a few Assyrian villages, the area south of the M4 predominantly houses Arab tribes. The population is more ethnically diverse north of the M4, including Arabs, Kurds, Assyrian Christians, Turkmen, and Circassians. For example, Qamishli, a major city in the region, consists of eight predominantly Kurdish neighbourhoods, six Arab neighbourhoods, two primarily Christian neighbourhoods, and seven mixed neighbourhoods.</p>
<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/aastha-ke-sthambh-84-red-sandstone-pillars-to-greet-devotees-at-maha-kumbh-8612838" rel="dofollow">&lsquo;Aastha Ke Sthambh&rsquo;: 84 red sandstone pillars to greet devotees at Maha Kumbh</a><br><br>Apart from Qamishli, the historically Kurdish town of Ayn al-Arab (Kobane) is also home to a mix of Arab tribes and Turkmen clans. The 2004 Syrian census data shows that the region had 2.4 million people, of which around 19 per cent were Kurdish. This suggests that Kurds represent a minority, with Arabs making up a significant portion of the population in areas controlled by the SDF.</p>
<h2>The Syrian Kurdish Political Landscape</h2>
<p><br>The Syrian Kurdish population is divided among various political factions, most notably the Syrian Kurdish National Council (KNC) and the Democratic Union Party (PYD). The KNC has ties to the Kurdistan Democratic Party in Iraq, and its military wing, the Rojava Peshmerga, has received training from the United States. In contrast, the PYD, which is linked to the PKK, leads the SDF; a group considered a terrorist organisation by the US, NATO, and Turkey. Many Kurds view the PYD and its armed wing, the YPG, as extensions of the PKK, with significant decision-making power based in the Qandil Mountains of Iraq.</p>
<h2>Who are the Kurds, and why is Turkey targeting them?</h2>
<p><br>The Kurds have a long history, with distinct cultural and ethnic identities, but they have never had an independent nation. In the aftermath of World War I, the Kurdish diplomat Mehmet Sherif Pasha proposed the creation of a Kurdistan that spanned parts of modern Turkey, Iraq, and Iran. However, the Treaty of S&egrave;vres in 1920 proposed a much smaller Kurdistan, all within modern Turkey. The Treaty of Lausanne in 1923 replaced it and effectively ended the idea of an independent Kurdish state.</p>
<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zuckerbergs-latest-move-meta-orders-removal-of-tampons-from-mens-bathrooms-sparks-backlash-8612818" rel="dofollow">Zuckerberg's latest move: Meta order for removal of tampons from Men's bathrooms sparks backlash</a><br><br>After Syria&rsquo;s civil war broke out in 2011, Kurdish forces declared autonomy over parts of northeastern Syria in November 2013, where they are in majority. An estimated 30 million Kurds live across northern Iraq, western Iran, and northern Syria, and make up about 18% of Turkey&rsquo;s population. The Kurds have long faced persecution in Syria and other regions as the largest ethnic group without a homeland. Despite their cultural and diasporic significance, Kurds have faced decades of repression. They have repeatedly tried to establish a self-governing Kurdistan but have been met with harsh crackdowns, resulting in bans on Kurdish language and cultural practices. For instance, in Iraq, Saddam Hussein used chemical weapons against them, and in Iran, their uprisings in the 1980s and 1990s were violently suppressed.<br><br>In 1978, Abdullah &Ouml;calan founded the Kurdistan Workers&rsquo; Party (PKK) to pursue an independent Kurdish state, leading to decades of armed conflict with Turkey. The PKK&rsquo;s insurgency lasted from 1984 until &Ouml;calan&rsquo;s capture in 1999. This resulted in the deaths of approximately 40,000 Kurdish civilians. A ceasefire declared in 2013 collapsed when Turkey began targeting PKK positions in 2015 during the war against the Islamic State.<br><br></p>
<h2>Kurds and the Islamic State</h2>
<p><br>As the Islamic State advanced through Syria and Iraq, the Kurdish militias, particularly the People&rsquo;s Protection Units (YPG), were among the few forces able to resist them. The Kurds, primarily located along Syria&rsquo;s border with Turkey, began defending their territories as the Syrian civil war escalated in 2011-12. In 2014, when the US joined the fight against ISIS, it found a valuable ally in the YPG. Experts opine that the Kurds also served as a counterbalance to Iranian and Russian influence in the region, offering leverage in a potential post-war settlement.</p>
<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-state-owned-hsl-in-talks-with-vietnam-for-submarine-refits-8612776" rel="dofollow">India&rsquo;s state-owned HSL in talks with Vietnam for submarine refits</a><br><br>Once the Kurds expelled ISIS from northern Syria, they took control of areas along the Syria-Turkey border which is home to Kurds, Arabs, and other ethnic groups. The YPG&rsquo;s ties to the PKK, however, made it a target for Erdogan&rsquo;s regime, which views it as a significant security threat. The US faced the challenge of balancing its alliances with Turkey, a NATO member, and the Kurds, who had lost over an estimated 10,000 fighters in the battle against ISIS.<br><br>Historically, under the Obama administration, the Syrian Kurdish militia sought to downplay its connection to the PKK, rebranding itself as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and recruiting more non-Kurdish fighters. By 2016, it was estimated that around 40% of SDF fighters were from non-Kurdish backgrounds. The US worked to maintain peace along the Turkish border, conducting joint patrols with the Turkish army.</p>
<h2>The Way Forward</h2>
<p><br>Analysts suggest that Turkey stands as one of the key beneficiaries of the collapse of the Assad regime, while the Kurds are poised to suffer the most, particularly in terms of their autonomy and the safety of their communities. Analysts have also warned that the Kurds are in a precarious position following this shift.<br>Turkey, which shares a nearly 900-kilometre border with Syria, has historically opposed the Assad regime and supported various armed factions in Syria, including Sunni jihadist groups. Additionally, Turkey has taken in around 3.6 million Syrian refugees, which has resulted in domestic unrest back home.</p>
<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/give-your-head-a-shake-canadas-former-pm-chretien-offers-blunt-advice-to-trump-8612717" rel="dofollow">&lsquo;Give your head a shake!&rsquo;; Canada&rsquo;s former PM Chretien offers blunt advice to Trump</a><br><br>Since 2016, Turkey has carried out several military operations in Syria, aimed at preventing the establishment of an autonomous Kurdish region along its border. In 2019, Turkey attempted to establish a 30-kilometre buffer zone but failed. Despite this setback, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has pushed for the creation of this defensive area. After the fall of Assad, Turkish-backed fighters quickly moved in to seize the territory previously controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), furthering Turkey&rsquo;s long-standing objectives.</p>
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World | Middle East: The Kurds have a long history with distinct cultural and ethnic identities but have never had an independent nation. After World War I, Kurdish diplomat Mehmet Sherif Pasha proposed the creation of a Kurdistan.

With the fall of the Assad regime, Syria’s new government now controls almost the entire country, except for the northeast, where the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), once a key partner of the US in the fight against ISIS, continues to hold power. Although the region is often referred to as Kurdish-controlled, it is primarily home to an Arab tribal population. Understanding the region’s demographics is critical to preventing policy that could destabilize the region and lead to unforeseen geopolitical consequences. The Demographics of Northeast Syria The M4 highway, which runs parallel to the Turkish border and extends toward Iraq, is one of Syria’s two major economic routes and divides northeast Syria into two regions. Except for a few Assyrian villages, the area south of the M4 predominantly houses Arab tribes. The population is more ethnically diverse north of the M4, including Arabs, Kurds, Assyrian Christians, Turkmen, and Circassians. For example, Qamishli, a major city in the region, consists of eight predominantly Kurdish neighbourhoods, six Arab neighbourhoods, two primarily Christian neighbourhoods, and seven mixed neighbourhoods. Also Read | ‘Aastha Ke Sthambh’: 84 red sandstone pillars to greet devotees at Maha Kumbh Apart from Qamishli, the historically Kurdish town of Ayn al-Arab (Kobane) is also home to a mix of Arab tribes and Turkmen clans. The 2004 Syrian census data shows that the region had 2.4 million people, of which around 19 per cent were Kurdish. This suggests that Kurds represent a minority, with Arabs making up a significant portion of the population in areas controlled by the SDF. The Syrian Kurdish Political Landscape The Syrian Kurdish population is divided among various political factions, most notably the Syrian Kurdish National Council (KNC) and the Democratic Union Party (PYD). The KNC has ties to the Kurdistan Democratic Party in Iraq, and its military wing, the Rojava Peshmerga, has received training from the United States. In contrast, the PYD, which is linked to the PKK, leads the SDF; a group considered a terrorist organisation by the US, NATO, and Turkey. Many Kurds view the PYD and its armed wing, the YPG, as extensions of the PKK, with significant decision-making power based in the Qandil Mountains of Iraq. Who are the Kurds, and why is Turkey targeting them? The Kurds have a long history, with distinct cultural and ethnic identities, but they have never had an independent nation. In the aftermath of World War I, the Kurdish diplomat Mehmet Sherif Pasha proposed the creation of a Kurdistan that spanned parts of modern Turkey, Iraq, and Iran. However, the Treaty of Sèvres in 1920 proposed a much smaller Kurdistan, all within modern Turkey. The Treaty of Lausanne in 1923 replaced it and effectively ended the idea of an independent Kurdish state. Also Read | Zuckerberg's latest move: Meta order for removal of tampons from Men's bathrooms sparks backlash After Syria’s civil war broke out in 2011, Kurdish forces declared autonomy over parts of northeastern Syria in November 2013, where they are in majority. An estimated 30 million Kurds live across northern Iraq, western Iran, and northern Syria, and make up about 18% of Turkey’s population. The Kurds have long faced persecution in Syria and other regions as the largest ethnic group without a homeland. Despite their cultural and diasporic significance, Kurds have faced decades of repression. They have repeatedly tried to establish a self-governing Kurdistan but have been met with harsh crackdowns, resulting in bans on Kurdish language and cultural practices. For instance, in Iraq, Saddam Hussein used chemical weapons against them, and in Iran, their uprisings in the 1980s and 1990s were violently suppressed. In 1978, Abdullah Öcalan founded the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) to pursue an independent Kurdish state, leading to decades of armed conflict with Turkey. The PKK’s insurgency lasted from 1984 until Öcalan’s capture in 1999. This resulted in the deaths of approximately 40,000 Kurdish civilians. A ceasefire declared in 2013 collapsed when Turkey began targeting PKK positions in 2015 during the war against the Islamic State. Kurds and the Islamic State As the Islamic State advanced through Syria and Iraq, the Kurdish militias, particularly the People’s Protection Units (YPG), were among the few forces able to resist them. The Kurds, primarily located along Syria’s border with Turkey, began defending their territories as the Syrian civil war escalated in 2011-12. In 2014, when the US joined the fight against ISIS, it found a valuable ally in the YPG. Experts opine that the Kurds also served as a counterbalance to Iranian and Russian influence in the region, offering leverage in a potential post-war settlement. Also Read | India’s state-owned HSL in talks with Vietnam for submarine refits Once the Kurds expelled ISIS from northern Syria, they took control of areas along the Syria-Turkey border which is home to Kurds, Arabs, and other ethnic groups. The YPG’s ties to the PKK, however, made it a target for Erdogan’s regime, which views it as a significant security threat. The US faced the challenge of balancing its alliances with Turkey, a NATO member, and the Kurds, who had lost over an estimated 10,000 fighters in the battle against ISIS. Historically, under the Obama administration, the Syrian Kurdish militia sought to downplay its connection to the PKK, rebranding itself as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and recruiting more non-Kurdish fighters. By 2016, it was estimated that around 40% of SDF fighters were from non-Kurdish backgrounds. The US worked to maintain peace along the Turkish border, conducting joint patrols with the Turkish army. The Way Forward Analysts suggest that Turkey stands as one of the key beneficiaries of the collapse of the Assad regime, while the Kurds are poised to suffer the most, particularly in terms of their autonomy and the safety of their communities. Analysts have also warned that the Kurds are in a precarious position following this shift. Turkey, which shares a nearly 900-kilometre border with Syria, has historically opposed the Assad regime and supported various armed factions in Syria, including Sunni jihadist groups. Additionally, Turkey has taken in around 3.6 million Syrian refugees, which has resulted in domestic unrest back home. Also Read | ‘Give your head a shake!’; Canada’s former PM Chretien offers blunt advice to Trump Since 2016, Turkey has carried out several military operations in Syria, aimed at preventing the establishment of an autonomous Kurdish region along its border. In 2019, Turkey attempted to establish a 30-kilometre buffer zone but failed. Despite this setback, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has pushed for the creation of this defensive area. After the fall of Assad, Turkish-backed fighters quickly moved in to seize the territory previously controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), furthering Turkey’s long-standing objectives.

Explained: Kurds face growing threat to autonomy amid regional dynamics shift in post-Assad Syria

The UAE has facilitated secret talks between Israel and Syria in Paris, aiming to build confidence and potentially end hostilities between the two nations. The talks come after recent military strikes and amid complex regional dynamics.

Syria holds indirect talks with Israel to prevent escalation

Syria has officially confirmed it is holding indirect talks with Israel through a mediator in an effort to de-escalate regional tensions. French President Emmanuel Macron hosted Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa in Paris, calling for diplomacy over military action. Macron also criticized Israeli airstrikes, stating they don’t guarantee long-term security.

Syrian Interim President Sharaa says Syria is holding talks with Israel to end hostilities

In a major escalation, Israel conducted a bombing near the presidential palace in Damascus, underscoring its opposition to the Islamist-led Syrian authorities and signalling its commitment to supporting the Druze minority in Syria. Following the December overthrow of President Assad, Israel has intensified military operations across the country, emphasising the need for a decentralised and isolated Syria amidst growing regional instability.

Israel-Syria war | Syria: Israel's presidential palace strike 'dangerous escalation'

Israel-Syria war | IDF launched over 20 air strikes in the country: Syrian war monitor

Israel strikes near Syrian presidential palace amid sectarian violence

Several people from the Druze community and troops of the new Syrian regime were killed this week. Israel has stepped into this conflict. Israel says it wants to shield the Druze community. In our top story, we ask why Israel is stepping in, and why it is threatening to bomb Syria.

Israel bombs Syria over Druze killings

At least 101 people have been killed in two days of sectarian clashes in Syria between the pro-government forces and the Jews minority near Damascus. According to the Syrian War Monitor, the clashes erupted after the release of an alleged blasphemous audio clip attributed to a Jews cleric. Watch in for more details!

Syria: at least 100 killed in sectarian violence

The Israeli military was seen at a post along the Israeli-Syrian border in the occupied Golan Heights on Thursday (May 1), a day after Israel said it had carried out a strike in Syria against "extremists" who attacked members of the Druze community and promised to protect the minority group as sectarian violence spread near Damascus.

Israel-Syria: Israeli soldiers seen on border with Syria a day after strike

Syria is facing another wave of sectarian clashes in Damascus. A war monitor says 14 people were killed in clashes between local gunmen belonging to the minority Druze sect and pro-government fighters. Watch in for more details!

Syria: Druze fighter among several killed in fresh sectarian clashes near Damascus

Syria witnesses another wave of sectarian violence as clashes between Druze gunmen and Syrian authorities result in 14 deaths. The Syrian War Monitor reports 7 Druze gunmen killed, sparking concerns over ongoing instability and tensions in the region.

Syrian authorities strike deal with Druze leaders after clashes

7 Druze gunmen killed in clashes: Syrian war monitor

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