Syria Celebrates as Trump Lifts Sanctions: A Cautious Welcome

Syrian Celebrations Erupt After Trump Announces Sanctions Relief Damascus, Syria – Joyous scenes erupted across Syria late into the night following US President Donald Trump's announcement that US sanctions on the country would be lifted. This decision, made during a visit to Saudi Arabia, marks a significant shift in US policy toward Syria after decades of economic pressure. The move has been met with both celebration and cautious optimism by the Syrian people. "We want to see something very quickly," one Syrian resident told Al Jazeera English, echoing the sentiments of many who have endured years of hardship under the sanctions. The sanctions, imposed since 1979, have gradually tightened over time, severely impacting the Syrian economy and civilian life. However, the situation is complex. The Caesar Act, a US law passed in 2020 aimed at protecting Syrian civilians, casts a shadow on the immediate impact of the sanctions' lifting. Al Jazeera's Imran Khan highlighted this legal hurdle, explaining that it remains unclear whether President Trump can fully overturn the Caesar Act without further Congressional action. This uncertainty tempers the celebratory mood, as Syrians anxiously await the practical consequences of the announced change. Despite the lingering questions, the scenes of jubilation across Syria offer a powerful testament to the hopes of a nation yearning for economic relief and a brighter future.