1. U.S. and EU Lift Sanctions, Paving Way for Economic Revival
In a landmark policy shift, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on May 13 the lifting of all sanctions on Syria, citing the nation’s prolonged suffering and expressing willingness to normalize relations with the new government. This decision was followed by the European Union’s announcement on May 20 to lift all economic sanctions on Syria, signaling a significant step towards supporting Syria’s transition and recovery after the fall of the Assad regime.
2. World Bank Clears Syria’s Arrears, Resumes Operations
On May 16, the World Bank announced the clearance of Syria’s $15.5 million arrears, thanks to payments made by Saudi Arabia and Qatar. This development reinstates Syria’s eligibility for new operations and marks the World Bank’s return to the country after a 14-year hiatus. The bank expressed readiness to mobilize public and private financing to support Syria’s development needs.
3. IMF Appoints Mission Chief to Syria
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) appointed Ron van Rooden as its first mission chief to Syria in 14 years. This appointment signifies a major step toward reigniting economic cooperation between the IMF and Syria, aiming to support the country’s recovery and improve citizens’ well-being.
4. Russia Increases Oil Exports to Support Syrian Energy Needs
Russia has boosted its exports of Arctic oil to Syria to support the country’s refinery operations, following diminished access to Iranian oil. In 2025, Russia has shipped around 350,000 metric tons (approximately 2.6 million barrels) of oil to Syria using sanctioned tankers. The resumption of operations at Syria’s Baniyas refinery in April followed these new oil deliveries, although technical repairs are ongoing.
5. Turkey and Saudi Arabia Collaborate on Reconstruction Efforts
The fall of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024 has transformed long-standing rivals Turkey and Saudi Arabia into pragmatic partners in Syria’s reconstruction. Both nations are cooperating to stabilize Syria and counter shared threats, mainly from Iran and regional drug trafficking. This cooperation is further solidified by the U.S. decision to lift sanctions on Syria, influenced by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
6. Syrian Government Thwarts Attempted Coup
On April 16, Syria’s Minister of the Interior, Anas Khattab, announced that government forces had successfully thwarted an attempted coup by officers loyal to the old regime. The announcement came as part of an increased network of collaboration between various security apparatuses, including police, military, and intelligence. According to Khattab, security forces had been tipped off to the plot and were able to launch an operation to disrupt it before it could be executed.
7. Sectarian Clashes Erupt in Southern Syria
Starting on April 28, sectarian clashes broke out in the Druze-majority suburbs of Damascus, including Jaramana, Sahnaya, and Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, and later spread to Suwayda Governorate. The violence was reportedly sparked by a controversial audio recording and resulted in over 100 deaths over three days. The clashes underscore the ongoing challenges to Syria’s stability and the importance of inclusive governance in the reconstruction process.