Trump Plays High-Stakes Game in the Middle East: Lifts Sanctions on Syria for Israel’s Sake

In the sweltering heat of Riyadh, an unexpected chapter in Middle Eastern history was written today.

Donald Trump met with Syria’s new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa and openly urged him to establish diplomatic relations with Israel.

The meeting took place with the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, who participated virtually.

Trump’s announcement came shortly after a U.S. decision to lift all sanctions against the Syrian government.

This represents a significant policy shift, surprising many given Sharaa’s past affiliations with al-Qaeda and his leadership of an organization the U.S. previously labeled as a terrorist group.

Israel’s Distrust and American Pragmatism

The U.S.’s decision to resume relations with Syria has stirred reactions in Tel Aviv.

Israeli officials have openly expressed skepticism regarding Sharaa’s intentions, despite his break from al-Qaeda in 2016.

According to Reuters, the meeting occurred “ahead of a summit between the U.S. and the Gulf Arab states.”

While Trump opened the possibility of a new political axis between Syria and countries already part of the Abraham Accords (UAE, Bahrain, Morocco), Israel insists that true normalization with Arab neighbors requires the establishment of a Palestinian state.

Economic Ambitions and Strategic Dilemmas

Through the easing of sanctions, Trump hopes to stimulate Syria’s economic recovery and create new openings for American diplomacy in the region.

Saudi officials expressed support for Syria’s economic reconstruction, highlighting several potential investment opportunities.

Israel’s response, however, has been much more confrontational.

The country has intensified its military operations in southern Syria, emphasizing that any Islamist presence will be met with fierce resistance.

A Stalemate or a New Beginning?

Trump insisted that Saudi Arabia could still join the Abraham Accords “when the time is right.”

This paves the way for a potentially new phase in Middle Eastern geopolitics, where economic interests and diplomatic strategies might overcome historical hostilities.

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