LIFTING SANCTIONS ON SYRIA
Syria sets deadline for 'small groups' to join Defence Ministry
Syria's defence minister has urged remaining small armed groups to integrate into the security apparatus within 10 days, threatening unspecified measures for non-compliance, aiming to consolidate state authority after Bashar al-Assad's ousting. This move follows the integration of military units into a unified framework and a diplomatic boost from the U.S.
Trump shrugs off Netanyahu on gulf tour
Donald Trump's recent Middle East tour signals a shift in US foreign policy. It appears Israel is no longer the central focus. Trump engaged with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, pursuing peace deals and economic partnerships. He lifted sanctions on Syria and showed less interest in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
For Trump, adulation and no risk of protests made the Gulf a dream trip
Donald Trump had a successful trip to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. He received praise and investment pledges. Gulf leaders lauded Trump's policies. They highlighted deals with American companies. Trump announced over $2 trillion in economic investments. He held campaign-style rallies. Trump also downplayed concerns about his family's business dealings.
Trump wraps up Gulf tour with $1.4 trillion investment pledge from UAE over 10 years
On his first foreign tour of his second term, Trump oversaw a $200 billion order from Qatar Airways for Boeing jets and a $600 billion investment from Saudi Arabia -- including nearly $142 billion in weapons, which the White House described as the largest-ever arms deal.
Opulence, business deals and a $400M plane from Qatar: Takeaways from Trump's Mideast tour
During his Middle East trip, President Trump prioritized economic and security partnerships with Gulf nations, overlooking human rights concerns. He aimed to reshape U.S. foreign policy with a transactional approach, evident in his dealings with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.
Gold palaces, jet deals and a personal McDonald’s food truck: Trump was at home in Middle East
Donald Trump's recent Middle East trip showcased his affinity for strong leaders. He secured investments and disregarded traditional US foreign policy. Trump favored Arab rulers over democratic allies. He engaged with leaders like Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. A potential meeting with Vladimir Putin was teased but did not happen.
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UAE to invest $1.4 trillion in US over 10 years, says Sheikh Mohamed in show of strong Trump-era ties
Sheikh Mohamed of the UAE announced a $1.4 trillion investment plan in the US over the next decade, highlighting a strong partnership during President Trump's Gulf tour. The investments will focus on technology, AI, and energy sectors. Trump's trip also included significant business deals with Saudi Arabia and Qatar, alongside diplomatic efforts regarding Syria and AI cooperation with the UAE.
Qatar Airways signs $200 billion deal for 160 Boeing jets: Donald Trump
President Donald Trump announced a significant deal where Qatar Airways committed to purchasing 160 Boeing jets, valued at $200 billion, during his visit to Qatar. In Saudi Arabia, Trump also revealed Saudi Arabia's commitment to invest $600 billion in the United States. These agreements aim to strengthen economic ties and bolster sectors like energy, defense, and technology.
Will lifting US sanctions transform Syria's economy and attract global investments?
The anticipated lifting of U.S. sanctions on Syria is poised to revitalize its war-torn economy, potentially attracting significant investments from the Syrian diaspora, Turkey, and Gulf states. Finance Minister Yisr Barnieh highlighted opportunities across various sectors, while businessman Ghassan Aboud unveiled investment plans.
Trump calls Syrian President ‘attractive, tough’. He was once was a designated US terrorist and had ties with Al Qaeda
In a stunning move, US President Donald Trump met with Syria’s newly installed president Ahmed al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia, calling him a “young, attractive guy with a very strong past” and declaring that “he’s got a real shot at holding it together.” The Syrian leader previously had connections to al-Qaeda and had joined rebels fighting US forces in Iraq. For several years, US troops had even held him captive.
Once a jihadist with a $10 million US bounty, now Syria’s president: Meet Trump’s unlikely partner in peace
US President Donald Trump met Syrian interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Riyadh. This marked the first direct engagement between the two nations' leaders in twenty-five years. Trump promised sanctions relief. Al-Sharaa was once linked to al-Qaida. The meeting sparked celebration in Syria. It also caused unease among US allies like Israel. The move signals a controversial pivot in US strategy.
Donald Trump meets Syria's former-insurgent-turned-leader in Saudi Arabia
Donald Trump met Ahmad al-Sharaa, Syria's interim President. This is the first meeting between the two nations' leaders in 25 years. The U.S. plans to lift economic sanctions on Syria. Syrians celebrated the news, hopeful for economic recovery. Al-Sharaa became interim president after an offensive by his group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Gulf Arab leaders support the new government.
Trump says he will ease sanctions on Syria, moves to restore relations with new leader
Donald Trump plans to normalize relations with Syria's new government. He will lift sanctions to give Syria a chance at peace. This move follows urging from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Ahmad al-Sharaa, the new Syrian President, will meet Trump in Saudi Arabia. Al-Sharaa once led an insurgency and was imprisoned in Iraq.
Trump says US to lift Syria sanctions, secures $600 billion Saudi deal
President Trump initiated his Gulf trip by announcing the lifting of U.S. sanctions on Syria, alongside a substantial $600 billion investment commitment from Saudi Arabia into the U.S. A significant arms package sale to Saudi Arabia, valued at $142 billion, was also confirmed.
Trump says US is close to deal to avoid Iran military nuclear action; oil prices plunge
US President Donald Trump said a deal on Iran's nuclear program is near and could prevent military action, leading to a drop in oil prices. Speaking during a Gulf tour, Trump credited Qatar's mediation and highlighted massive investment deals worth trillions. He also touched on regional conflicts, praised Gulf leaders, and made no mention of human rights issues during the trip.
Israel missing on Trump's Middle East itinerary amid him sidelining Netanyahu buzz. But US President says...
Tensions rise between US and Israel as Donald Trump bypasses Benjamin Netanyahu. Analysts feel Netanyahu is being sidelined. Trump proceeds with Iran nuclear talks and hostage negotiations with Hamas without informing Israel and this has fuelled unease in Israel. Many Israelis question if US will abandon them. Trump's actions contrast sharply with the optimism following his election.
Trump's Middle East maneuvers: Is US President sabotaging ally Israel for his own gain?
Donald Trump's recent actions signal a growing rift with Benjamin Netanyahu, prioritizing personal gain over traditional US-Israeli alignment. Trump's engagement with Arab nations, bypassing Israel, and his stance on Iran and Yemen highlight this shift. He seems to favor deals benefiting himself, even if it isolates Netanyahu's government amid its controversial policies in Palestine.
Trump lavishes praise on Saudi crown prince, signaling renewed alliance
Donald Trump, during his recent visit to Riyadh, lauded Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, highlighting their strong alliance built on mutual interests. Trump emphasized economic deals, including a significant defense agreement and investment package, while seemingly overlooking human rights concerns.
‘How do you sleep at night?’: Trump’s unscripted question to Saudi Crown Prince raises eyebrows — Here's the context
During a Saudi Arabia visit, former U.S. President Donald Trump surprised attendees by asking Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman how he sleeps at night, later clarifying it as praise for MBS's resilience and transformation of Saudi Arabia. Trump lauded the kingdom's economic progress and highlighted strengthened U.S.-Saudi ties, despite ongoing human rights concerns.
Oil prices hold near two-week highs on trade war reprieve, weaker dollar
Oil prices remained stable near two-week highs. This was due to a U.S.-China trade agreement and a weaker dollar. The U.S. and China agreed to lower tariffs. A weaker dollar increased oil demand. U.S. gasoline and distillate inventories declined. Crude stocks rose. The market is watching President Trump's trip to the Gulf. The U.S.
New US airstrikes on Yemen pile pressure on Iran-aligned Houthis
The United States launched airstrikes on Yemen, targeting the Houthi movement which has been disrupting global shipping. At least 53 people died in the attacks. The strikes come as tensions rise between the U.S. and Iran. The Houthis threatened to target U.S. ships in response, while Israel also continues its military operations in Gaza.
Syria's worst violence in months reopens wounds of the civil war
More than 1,000 people died in four days of clashes after an ambush on a Syrian security patrol by gunmen loyal to ousted leader Bashar Assad. The violence is the worst since December in Syria. Civilians, security forces, and militants have been killed. The interim government is trying to restore control amidst the ongoing unrest.
Syria's worst violence in months reopens wounds of the civil war
Gunmen loyal to ousted leader Bashar Assad ambushed a Syrian security patrol, leading to clashes that resulted in over 1,000 deaths within four days near Latakia. The violence has reopened civil war wounds and involves sectarian revenge killings, predominantly targeting the Alawite community.
'Where's the gold?': How the Assads sucked Syria dry
The military unit run by Maher al-Assad, known as the Fourth Division, exploited Syria's resources amid civil war. Documents reveal its involvement in illegal trades, property expropriations, and protection rackets, amassing fortunes while many Syrians lived in dire conditions.
Russia-Iran ties to Assad open wound after war: Syria's interim foreign minister
Syria's interim foreign minister, Asaad al-Shibani, emphasized the nation's desire to improve relations with the West and lift US and EU sanctions for rebuilding amid Moscow's and Tehran's controversial support during the civil war. Speaking at the Dubai summit, he acknowledged some progress from Russia and Iran while highlighting ongoing tensions and the need for reconciliation.
EU ministers to take up easing of Syria sanctions on January 27
Kaja Kallas, the European Union foreign policy chief, said the foreign ministers would convene in Brussels on January 27 in an effort to decide how the 27-nation bloc would relax sanctions on Syria. After 13 years of civil war, Syria's President Bashar al-Assad was ousted in a lightning offensive by insurgent forces led by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham a month ago. The group has since set up a caretaker government in Damascus.
Syria's de facto leader says holding elections could take up to four years
Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa stated in an interview that holding elections in Syria could take up to four years and drafting a new constitution might take up to three years. Sharaa, who now leads after Bashar al-Assad was ousted, also expressed hope for lifted sanctions from the U.S. and emphasized strategic interests with Russia.
Arab League readmits Syria as relations with Assad normalise
After more than ten years, the Arab League has readmitted Syria. However, the League’s Secretary-General, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, stressed that the move does not equal normalisation of relations and that sovereign countries can make their own decisions. The Arab League’s decision also called for resolution of the Syrian civil war crisis, which led to refugees fleeing into neighbouring countries and drug smuggling across the region. A group of Arab states including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Jordan, Egypt and Lebanon along with the League’s Secretary-General will liaise with the Syrian government to help resolve the crisis.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad loves the Iran nuclear deal
Following the signing of the nuclear deal between Iran and the P5+1, Assad said he expected Iran to increase its backing of "just causes" throughout the region.
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