The Caesar Act was repealed and sanctions against Syria were lifted thanks to Saudi efforts
In a remarkable diplomatic victory reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's significant influence on the international stage, the tireless efforts led by Riyadh culminated in a historic announcement: the signing by the US President of the executive order repealing the Caesar Act and lifting sanctions imposed on Syria. This pivotal step did not come about by chance, but was the fruit of proactive diplomatic efforts spearheaded by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, may God protect him, aimed at ending Syria's international isolation and opening new horizons for stability in the region.
The fruit of Saudi diplomacy: From Riyadh to Washington
This radical shift in the American position came as a direct response to the efforts exerted by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince during US President Donald Trump's visit to the Kingdom last May. These understandings culminated in the inclusion of the lifting of sanctions within the "National Defense Authorization Act of 2026," reflecting an institutional American commitment to ending the era of sanctions. The Kingdom expressed its appreciation for this response, which establishes a new phase of international relations based on cooperation rather than punishment, thus paving the way for Syria's active return to its Arab and international environment.
The repercussions of repealing the "Caesar Act" on the Syrian economy
The repeal of the Caesar Act represents a new lifeline for the Syrian economy, which has suffered from stagnation for years. Major economic transformations are expected in the coming period, most notably:
- Unfreezing frozen assets: The decision will allow the Syrian Central Bank to regain control of its frozen funds and assets abroad, boosting cash reserves and supporting the stability of the local currency.
- The return of the "SWIFT" system: Reconnecting the Syrian banking sector to the global transfer system will facilitate import and export operations, and reduce the costs of commercial transactions, which will positively affect commodity prices for citizens.
- Attracting foreign investment: With the removal of the threat of secondary sanctions that were targeting companies dealing with Damascus, the Damascus Securities Exchange and the productive sectors will become an attractive destination for global capital, contributing to the creation of new job opportunities.
Sustained Saudi support for nation-building
The Kingdom's role was not limited to the political sphere; it also provided a model of comprehensive economic and humanitarian support. The Kingdom was among the first to support the government of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa from its earliest days, with a Saudi plane being the first to land in Syria following the political change, followed by high-level visits from Saudi delegations and the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
As an extension of this support, the Kingdom contributed to paying off Syria’s $15 million arrears to the World Bank and provided vital support to the energy sector with 1.65 million barrels of crude oil. The Kingdom also hosted the historic meeting between Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and US President Donald Trump, the first of its kind in a quarter of a century, underscoring Riyadh’s pivotal role as a peacemaker and stabilizer.
A call for unity and hard work
With the lifting of the sanctions nightmare, the urgent need for all segments of the Syrian people to unite and seize this historic opportunity becomes paramount. The current phase demands setting aside differences and focusing on building state institutions and supporting government efforts aimed at economic and social reform. Optimism for a promising future is now justified, but it requires patience and diligent work to translate these political gains into tangible prosperity and progress.
