Updated

The Trump administration removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, formally embracing the country's new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former al-Qaeda-linked militant who now leads Syria's post-Assad government. The decision marks a significant shift in US policy toward Damascus following the collapse of the Assad regime. The move is part of broader diplomatic normalization efforts with Syria's new leadership and could open the door to expanded international engagement and economic ties with Damascus.