From Sanctions to Handshakes: Syria Begins a New Chapter
SYRIA TV
May 15, 2025
The Sharaa-Trump encounter was far more than a ceremonial handshake, Syria TV writes.
The Sharaa-Trump encounter was far more than a ceremonial handshake, Syria TV writes.
This was the first meeting between a U.S. and Syrian president in 25 years.
Central Bank Governor Abdelkader Housriyeh described the sanctions relief as critical for restoring monetary stability. “This is not just an economic shift—it is a psychological one,” he said.
While the lifting of sanctions marks a dramatic breakthrough, the road ahead remains fraught.
What makes this moment unique is not just the shifting tone in Washington, but the rare convergence of interests across political lines.
Speaking at a press conference in Jerusalem, Sa’ar stated, “We want good relations. We want stability. Of course, we have security concerns—and that’s understandable”.
During Sharaa’s visit to the Élysée Palace in Paris on Wednesday, Macron criticized Israeli actions in Syria as “unacceptable”.
Azerbaijan’s approach mirrors broader trends in global energy diplomacy, akin to China’s engagement in Africa or Russia’s energy-based influence in Libya, Syria TV writes.
To shield itself from Israel, Syria has to remove the very vulnerabilities iit exploits—sectarian divisions, weak institutions, and a fractured social contract, Marwan Kabalan writes.
Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated hours before Sharaa’s arrival that Paris “will not issue a blank cheque,” stressing the need for accountability, justice, and structural reform.
UAE-facilitated dialogue could represent a tentative first step toward deconfliction or even longer-term security arrangements, al-Modon writes.
Lebanon is renewing pressure on Syria to resolve the long-standing issue of hundreds of Lebanese citizens who disappeared in Syrian custody during the Assad era, Shaam writes.
According to the French presidency, Macron will “reaffirm France’s support for the construction of a new Syria – a free, stable, and sovereign state that respects all components of Syrian society.”
According to Israel’s Channel N12, citing the Turkish opposition outlet Sozcu, Turkish F-16s conducted reconnaissance flights in the same area where Israeli jets were operating and issued “warning messages” via electronic warfare systems, al-Modon writes.
France has actively mediated between the SDF and the KNC to bridge longstanding divisions and promote a unified Kurdish stance in Syria.
Despite refusing to join the Abraham Accords, Damascus affirmed its commitment to building a Syria that does not seek to threaten any other party, Syria TV says.
It remains unclear whether Washington has formally responded to the Syrian communication.
Syria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the UK’s decision, calling on international partners to lift all remaining sanctions that are hindering the country’s recovery.
Barzani and Abdi emphasized the importance of Kurdish participation—as well as that of all Syrian communities—in shaping the country’s future governance.
Sharaa also voiced concerns over Iranian efforts to destabilize Syria.
