Syria's President Makes First Visa Payment After US Removes Country from Terrorism List

The video, published by the Syrian presidency on Wednesday, appears to show President Bashar al-Assad using a Visa card to make a transaction. The footage comes just a day after the US administration officially removed Syria from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list, a designation that had been in place since 1979 and was tightened during the Syrian civil war. The removal, announced on Tuesday, allows Syrian banks and businesses to resume normal financial transactions through international systems, including Visa and Mastercard, which had been blocked under sanctions.

While the US has not yet fully normalized relations with Syria, the delisting is the most significant easing of sanctions since the conflict began. The decision follows years of diplomatic efforts by Russia and Iran, key allies of the al-Assad government, and comes amid a broader shift in US policy toward the Middle East. Critics, however, argue that the removal of the terrorism designation rewards the Syrian government for its brutal crackdown on opposition forces and its use of chemical weapons during the war.

The US State Department stated that the move was based on a review of Syria's current activities and a determination that it no longer meets the criteria for the list. However, the US maintains other sanctions, including those imposed under the Caesar Act, which target individuals and entities involved in war crimes and human rights abuses. The Caesar Act remains in place, meaning many Syrian officials and military leaders are still barred from the international financial system.

Humanitarian organizations have voiced mixed reactions. Some welcome the financial easing as a step that could help alleviate the suffering of ordinary Syrians, who have faced severe shortages of food, medicine, and cash due to sanctions. Others caution that the al-Assad government may use the new access to funds to further entrench its control and continue repression. The Syrian opposition, meanwhile, condemned the US decision, calling it a betrayal of the Syrian people who have suffered under al-Assad's rule.

The video of al-Assad using a Visa card is likely a symbolic gesture meant to demonstrate that Syria is re-entering the global economy. It remains to be seen how quickly international banks and companies will resume business with Syria, given the residual legal risks and the ongoing US sanctions on key individuals.

Why This Matters

The removal of Syria from the terrorism list and the resumption of Visa payments signal a major shift in US policy, potentially opening the door for foreign investment and reconstruction aid.
For ordinary Syrians, the easing of financial sanctions could improve access to goods and services, but the benefits may be limited if the government fails to address corruption and human rights concerns.
The move may embolden other nations to normalize relations with Syria, altering the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East and challenging the isolation strategy that Western powers have pursued since 2011.

Background

Syria was placed on the US State Sponsors of Terrorism list in 1979 due to its support for groups like Hezbollah and Palestinian factions. The designation was tightened after the 2011 uprising and subsequent civil war, with the US and European Union imposing sweeping sanctions on the Syrian government, its leadership, and the financial sector. The Caesar Act, signed into law in 2019, specifically targeted individuals and entities involved in atrocities, freezing assets and barring international transactions. Over the past decade, the Syrian economy has collapsed, with the currency losing over 90% of its value and millions of people displaced. The recent move by the US to delist Syria follows a period of quiet diplomacy, including talks mediated by Russia and the United Arab Emirates, and a broader US strategic shift toward engaging with adversaries to address regional stability.

Key Perspectives

[Syrian Government]: The delisting is a vindication of its sovereignty and a step toward full normalization. It argues that sanctions have unjustly punished the Syrian people and that the government is now ready to rebuild the country with international cooperation. [US Administration]: The decision is based on a policy review that concluded Syria no longer meets the criteria for the terrorism list. Administration officials emphasize that the Caesar Act remains in place to hold perpetrators of war crimes accountable, and that the move is not an endorsement of the al-Assad government. [Syrian Opposition and Human Rights Groups]: The delisting is a premature and dangerous concession that rewards a regime accused of war crimes, including the use of chemical weapons. They warn that the easing of sanctions will allow the government to further consolidate power and continue repression, while failing to address the humanitarian crisis caused by the conflict.

What to Watch

Whether the European Union and other Western allies follow the US lead in lifting their own sanctions on Syria.
The reaction of international financial institutions, including Visa and Mastercard, and whether they resume full operations in Syria without further regulatory hurdles.
The impact on the humanitarian situation: will the easing of sanctions lead to improved access to food and medicine, or will the government use the new funds to strengthen its military and security apparatus?
Any new US designations or sanctions under the Caesar Act targeting specific individuals, which could signal that the US is still committed to accountability.

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