Al-Sharaa at the White House: Suspension of Sanctions Against Syria

Ahmed al-Sharaa was received at the White House by Donald Trump, who called the Syrian leader a "tough guy in a difficult neighborhood." The visit was sealed with the suspension of US sanctions against Syria for 180 days.

According to leaks, Syria has agreed to join the US-led coalition against ISIS in exchange for the lifting of sanctions. Damascus will receive a lifting of US sanctions, which is expected to be approved by the Senate despite Tel Aviv's objections.

The United States no longer imposes "blanket sanctions" against Syria, allowing the transfer of basic American-made goods for political use, as well as software and technology, without a license. At the same time, sanctions against Bashar al-Assad and his associates remain in effect.

Al-Jazeera comments that Syria wanted a permanent lifting of the Caesar Act sanctions, but this wish is clashing with Congress. Trump can "freeze" them for six months, which he did.