President Trump chose this moment to lift sanctions on Syria partly due to the change in leadership and pressure from Gulf leaders like Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who see the new government as a bulwark against Iranian influence.

Lifting sanctions could bring much-needed investment to Syria, facilitating its recovery from years of civil war. However, the process is complex, and Syria needs substantial funds to rebuild its infrastructure and address poverty.

Ahmad al-Sharaa is Syria's new leader, previously linked to Islamist militant groups. He faces significant challenges, including rebuilding the country, addressing sectarian divisions, and dealing with criticism over authoritarian governance and ongoing violence.