United States removes Syria from list of countries not fully cooperating in counterterrorism efforts
The United States has officially removed Syria from its list of countries deemed not fully cooperating with US antiterrorism efforts, marking a significant development in the evolving relationship between Washington and Damascus.
The decision was announced by the US Department of State through an official determination signed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The determination was subsequently published in the US Federal Register on May.
Under the updated certification, only four countries remain on the list: Cuba, North Korea, Iran, and Venezuela.
The annual list is issued pursuant to Section 40A of the US Arms Export Control Act and identifies countries that the US government determines aren’t fully cooperating with American counterterrorism initiatives.
Inclusion on the list can result in restrictions on defense exports and certain security-related transactions with the United States.
Syria had appeared on previous versions of the list for many years, and its removal reflects a notable shift in Washington’s assessment of Syrian cooperation on counterterrorism matters and comes amid a broader recalibration of US policy toward Damascus.
Over the past year, the United States has taken several steps aimed at easing aspects of its longstanding restrictions on Syria, including the rollback of many sanctions imposed during the civil war era.
Analysts view the latest move as largely symbolic but politically significant, as it signals a willingness by the US administration to engage more directly with Syria’s current authorities and may pave the way for additional measures aimed at normalizing relations.
However, important obstacles remain. Syria is still under review regarding its status on the US State Sponsors of Terrorism list, a separate designation that carries broader legal and economic consequences.
Removal from the counterterrorism cooperation list doesn’t automatically affect that designation.
The decision is expected to be welcomed by Syrian officials, who have sought greater international engagement and relief from restrictions that have weighed heavily on the country’s economy.
Observers will now be watching closely to see whether Washington follows this step with further diplomatic or economic initiatives in the months ahead.
