Qatar Applauds U.S. Decision to Remove Syria from Terror List

Doha, Qatar Aug 25, 2026 ALN: Doha hailed the United States’ decision to remove Syria from its terror list, calling it a positive step towards stability in Syria and the wider region.

Qatar has welcomed the United States’ decision to remove Syria from its list of State Sponsors of Terrorism, describing the move as a significant development that could bolster stability in Syria and the broader region. This decision is seen as a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to stabilize a country that has been embroiled in conflict for over a decade.

“The State of Qatar welcomes the United States’ approval of the decision to remove the sisterly Arab Republic of Syria from the list of state sponsors of terrorism,” Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) stated in an official announcement on X on Tuesday. The ministry emphasized that this decision would support efforts to achieve stability in Syria and the surrounding areas, while also advancing the political settlement process in accordance with international legitimacy.

Doha reiterated its commitment to Syria’s unity, sovereignty, and independence, pledging to stand with the Syrian people in their pursuit of security, stability, and prosperity. This reflects Qatar's broader foreign policy objectives, which have often included support for Arab nations facing crises and conflicts.

The decision to remove Syria from the terror list was formally announced by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who stated that the removal came after the completion of a mandatory 45-day congressional review period. The significance of this decision lies not only in its immediate implications for U.S.-Syria relations but also in its potential impact on regional dynamics. The U.S. designation had been a significant barrier to Syria's reintegration into the international community and had contributed to the ongoing economic hardships faced by the Syrian population.

Furthermore, the U.S. State Department also delisted the armed militant group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) from its designation as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist. This move indicates a shift in the U.S. approach towards various factions in Syria, reflecting a more nuanced understanding of the complexities on the ground. HTS, which emerged from the remnants of al-Qaeda in Syria, has been both a significant actor in the Syrian civil war and a target of U.S. counter-terrorism efforts. The delisting suggests that the U.S. may now view HTS through a different lens, possibly recognizing its role in the evolving political landscape of Syria.

Syria had been on the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism since 1979, when it was first designated under the State Sponsors of Terrorism program. This designation had profound implications for Syria's foreign relations, limiting its ability to engage economically and politically with other nations. The removal of this designation marks a significant shift in U.S. policy and reflects broader changes in the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.

This removal aligns with a broader shift in American policy towards Syria under President Donald Trump, which included a June 2025 executive order aimed at easing sanctions and restrictions on the country. The policy changes initiated by the Trump administration have been characterized by a willingness to engage with the Syrian government, which contrasts sharply with the previous administration's approach that emphasized isolation and punitive measures.

Since then, Washington has taken further steps to restore economic and diplomatic ties with Damascus. The implications of this shift are far-reaching, as it opens the door for potential reconstruction efforts in Syria, which has been devastated by years of conflict. The U.S. has indicated that it will support initiatives aimed at rebuilding infrastructure and providing humanitarian assistance, contingent upon the Syrian government’s commitment to political reform and a more inclusive governance structure.

The decision was made in recognition of the positive actions taken and further commitments by the Syrian government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa to distance Syria from acts of international terrorism, Rubio stated in an official announcement on Monday. This acknowledgment of Syria's efforts to combat terrorism is significant, as it suggests a potential pathway for Syria to re-engage with the international community on its own terms.

The designation had remained in effect for nearly five decades, including throughout the tenure of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and during the country’s civil war. The civil war, which began in 2011, has resulted in immense human suffering, with millions displaced and hundreds of thousands killed. The removal of the terror designation may signal a new chapter for Syria, allowing for international investment and support that could aid in rebuilding the war-torn nation.

“I extend my sincere thanks to the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, and to all the friendly and supportive nations that stood by us,” Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa expressed in a video statement released early Tuesday, thanking Trump and other nations for their support in Syria’s reconstruction and development efforts. This statement underscores the importance of international relationships in the context of Syria's recovery and highlights the potential for renewed engagement with the global community.

In conclusion, the U.S. decision to remove Syria from its State Sponsors of Terrorism list is a landmark development that could reshape the political and economic landscape of the region. As Qatar and other nations express their support, the implications of this decision will likely unfold over the coming months and years, as Syria navigates its path towards recovery and stability amidst ongoing challenges.