Mon Jun 30 22:51:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by a news article rewrite:

**Summary:**

President Trump has issued an executive order to ease sanctions on Syria, six months after Bashar al-Assad’s government was overthrown. The US Treasury has already removed 518 Syrian individuals and entities from the sanctions list. The move aims to support Syria’s development and reconstruction. Some sanctions, particularly those related to alleged war crimes under the Caesar Act and those targeting al-Assad’s associates, ISIS, and Iran, remain in place pending review. The order also includes reviews of interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s designation as a terrorist and the status of his group, HTS (formerly al-Nusra Front), as a foreign terrorist organization. This follows a meeting between Trump and al-Sharaa, despite concerns about the latter’s past ties to al-Qaeda and recent violence against Alawites. A bipartisan bill to permanently lift sanctions had also been introduced in Congress.

**News Article:**

**Trump Eases Sanctions on Syria After Assad’s Ouster, Raising Questions About New Leadership**

**Washington, D.C. -** President Donald Trump has signed an executive order significantly easing sanctions on Syria, a move that could unlock substantial investment in the war-torn country. The decision comes six months after the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad, with the US Treasury stating the move aims to support Syria’s reconstruction and development.

The Treasury Department confirmed that 518 Syrian individuals and entities have already been removed from the sanctions list. The US President has stated the goal is to support a “stable, unified, and peaceful Syria”.

While some sanctions are being lifted, penalties against al-Assad and his associates, ISIL (ISIS), and Iran and its allies will remain in effect. Sanctions imposed under the Caesar Act, which targets alleged war crimes against civilians, are also subject to review.

The President’s order also calls for a review of the designation of interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa as a “Specially Designated Global Terrorist,” and a re-evaluation of the status of his group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) as a “foreign terrorist” organization. Al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Julani, led the rebel offensive that ousted al-Assad in December 2024.

Trump praised al-Sharaa as “attractive” and “tough” during a recent meeting in Saudi Arabia. However, concerns remain due to al-Sharaa’s past ties to al-Qaeda and reports of violence against members of Assad’s Alawite sect by former rebel fighters. Despite these concerns, al-Sharaa has pledged inclusive governance and assured that Syria will not pose a threat to its neighbors.

Meanwhile, Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar and Republican lawmaker Anna Paulina Luna had jointly introduced a bill aiming to permanently lift sanctions on Syria.

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