Syrians welcome president’s historic Washington visit as potential turning point from isolation, with US sanctions pause offering economic hope.
DAMASCUS: Syrians expressed optimism that their leader’s unprecedented visit to Washington could mark a new beginning for the war-ravaged nation.
On Tuesday, Damascus residents viewed President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s US trip as a strategic shift toward the West that might revive Syria’s battered economy.
The Monday meeting with former US President Donald Trump represented the first Washington visit by a Syrian head of state since independence in 1946.
“This visit will be a new beginning for Syria and an opening to the world after years of isolation,” law student Boushra Abdel Bari said.
“We hope it will facilitate Syria’s reconstruction with the United States and the rest of the world.”
During Sharaa’s historic visit, the State Department announced a temporary pause of US sanctions under the Caesar Act.
Congress may consider permanently lifting the sanctions that have blocked Syria from the global banking system.
The sanctions were originally imposed to ensure accountability for abuses under former leader Bashar al-Assad.
Syria historically aligned with first the Soviet Union and later Russia, which backed Assad during 13 years of civil war.
Since overthrowing Assad in December 2024, the interim president has made overtures to Western nations and Gulf monarchies while maintaining ties with Moscow.
Abdel Bari claimed Russia “has brought us nothing but ruin and destruction.”
Printer Omar Nassar, 36, welcomed Syria’s movement toward the Western camp.
“Syria paid the price for aligning itself with the socialist camp in the past and was isolated,” he said.
“We are very optimistic after this visit and expect positive economic and diplomatic repercussions.”
Coffee kiosk owner Saddam Hajjar believed “things are getting better.”
“We hope to be part of the new Middle East in the future,” he added.
“The Syrian people deserve a better life after making so many sacrifices.”
Assad’s fall ended a conflict that killed over 500,000 people and displaced millions since 2011.
NGO worker Layal Kaddour, 25, called the Washington visit “a bold political move” breaking years of isolation.
“The possible repercussions are an easing of sanctions and the opening up of economic prospects,” she said.
She questioned whether Syria might face “international pressure that would influence independent political decision-making,” alluding to potential US demands regarding Israel. – AFP
