Giving Syria the Chance to Succeed

On November 10, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa made the first-ever visit by a Syrian president to the White House. “This visit underscored President Trump’s desire to break with the past by giving the Syrian people a chance at peace and prosperity,” said Morgan Ortagus, U.S. Counselor to the United Nations.

Shortly before the historic visit, the United States delisted President al-Sharaa and Interior Minister Anas Khattab from domestic sanctions, following the Security Council’s adoption of a resolution delisting them from the UN 1267 sanctions regime, explained Counselor Ortagus.

“These measures by the U.S. government and this Council will support Syria’s efforts to rebuild and rehabilitate the Syrian economy while ensuring bad-faith actors do not benefit. And they send a strong message: Syria is in a new era since the collapse of the Assad regime in December 2024.”

The United States has also adopted a new regulatory posture to encourage American and international businesses and banks to develop Syria through profitable investments. Counselor Ortagus encouraged other member states to do the same.

“International partnerships will be important for Syria’s efforts to rebuild. Secretary [of State Marco] Rubio recently issued a suspension of the Caesar Act. Foreign partners can now confidently invest in Syria’s future.”

During the visit, Syria joined the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. By joining the D-ISIS Coalition, Syria’s leadership turned a new page and joined 89 other countries committed to ensuring ISIS can never be a global scourge again.

The United States supports the peaceful integration of all of Syria’s people, including religious and ethnic minorities.

Moreover, the United States encourages all parties to continue following the practical approach of the Suwayda roadmap to support Syria’s reconstruction and national reconciliation.

The United States has announced humanitarian assistance to Druze, Christian, and Bedouin communities in Suwayda, as a part of its ongoing efforts to support a stable Syria at peace with itself and its neighbors. This assistance will provide approximately 60,000 people with food, water, and hygiene items, as well as rebuilding of houses and water systems when Syrians can safely return to their homes.

Counselor Ortagus called on other nations to contribute life-saving humanitarian assistance for the people of Syria as they seek to rebuild. “Such assistance is needed to secure lasting peace and stability in the Middle East and to ensure Syrian refugees can return home,” she stressed.

“We urge the Syrian government to fulfill the promise of this moment,” said Counselor Ortagus. “Syria only has one chance to get on the right track. We look forward to continuing to work with the Syrian government as it leads its country towards what we hope will be a better future, not only for Syria, but for the entire region.”