CaliToday (07/11/2025): In a stunning diplomatic reversal solidifying one of the most rapid geopolitical realignments in recent memory, the United Nations Security Council voted Thursday to lift personal sanctions on Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, clearing a final diplomatic hurdle before his landmark visit to the White House next week.
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| The formal lifting of sanctions on Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa is largely symbolic as they were waived every time he needed to travel outside of Syria (Alexander Zemlianichenko) |
The US-drafted resolution, which passed 14-0, removes Sharaa and his Interior Minister, Anas Hasan Khattab, from the UN's ISIL and Al-Qaeda Sanctions List.
China abstained from the vote, citing lingering counterterrorism concerns.
The move formally lifts a travel ban, assets freeze, and arms embargo against the new Syrian leader, whose rebel forces ousted longtime dictator Bashar al-Assad less than a year ago. While the travel ban had been previously waived for diplomatic trips, the resolution marks a symbolic and official rehabilitation of a figure once tied to Al-Qaeda.
The vote came at the direct request of the Trump administration, which is preparing to host President al-Sharaa for talks on November 10.
A New US Ally?
The resolution is the culmination of a rapid, pragmatic pivot by Washington, which has thrown its support behind the new government in Damascus.
In a statement to the council, US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz praised the new Syrian government's "good progress."
"President al-Sharaa's government is working hard to fulfill its commitments on countering terrorism and narcotics, on eliminating any remnants of chemical weapons, and promoting regional security and stability," Waltz said.
President Donald J. Trump, who first met Sharaa in Riyadh in May, has been a vocal supporter of the new leader. This July, the US unilaterally delisted Sharaa's group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), as a terrorist organization, a move that paved the way for Thursday's UN vote.
Syria Welcomes "Return to Nations"
Damascus immediately lauded the decision. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani posted on X (formerly Twitter): "Syria expresses its appreciation to the United States and to friendly nations for their support of Syria and its people."
Speaking at the UN after the vote, Syrian Ambassador Ibrahim Olabi delivered an impassioned speech:
"At its core, the resolution reflects the will of Syrian men and women. It reflects their will to return our country to its rightful place among nations. It reflects our will to move forward with confidence and hope towards building a new Syria."
China Abstains, Cites Terror Concerns
The sole abstention came from China, which warned the council was moving too quickly.
China's UN Ambassador Fu Cong argued that Washington had ignored key security issues.
"China expressed legitimate concerns about counterterrorism issues—in particular (foreign terrorist fighters) in Syria, and put forward many amendment proposals," Fu stated. "However, (Washington) did not fully heed the views of all members."
The decision to hold a full council vote, rather than use the sanctions committee, allowed the US to bypass China's ability to "block" the delisting, as committee decisions require unanimity.
From Jihadist to Statesman
The upcoming White House visit completes a remarkable transformation for Ahmed al-Sharaa. His HTS-led coalition, formerly affiliated with Al-Qaeda, routed Bashar al-Assad's forces last December.
Since taking power, the interim government has sought to present a moderate, stable image, distancing itself from its violent extremist past to gain acceptability from the Syrian populace and, crucially, foreign powers.
Sharaa's first trip to the US was a landmark visit in September, where he became the first Syrian president in decades to address the UN General Assembly in New York. His visit to Washington next week, however, is being treated as a formal state-level meeting.
Damascus has stated the White House agenda will include lifting remaining sanctions, securing funds for reconstruction, and formalizing counterterrorism cooperation.
The ultimate goal for the Trump administration appears to be bringing Syria into the Abraham Accords. Syria and Israel remain technically at war, but direct negotiations began immediately after Assad's ouster. A Syrian official told AFP earlier this year that Damascus expects to finalize "security and military agreements with Israel in 2025," a breakthrough that would fundamentally redraw the map of the Middle East.