An end to U.S. sanctions on Syria is expected to mark a new era for an economy devastated by 13 years of war, opening the way for investment flows from the Syrian diaspora, Turkey, and Gulf states that back the new government.

President Trump says he will move to normalize relations and lift sanctions on Syria's new government to give the country "a chance at peace."

Assad, business owners have been waiting for Washington to ease sanctions and pave the way for an economic renewal.

President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday, May 13, that he plans to end the U.S. sanctions imposed on Syria, which have been in place for over 45 years. Announcing the news on the first day of his Middle East tour,

Trump urged Sharaa to normalize relations with Israel and help defeat Islamic State, the White House said.

President Donald Trump has met with Syria’s interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa. It's the first such encounter between the two nations’ leaders in 25 years.

A White House readout of Trump's meeting with the Syrian leader said the president asked Syria to adhere to several conditions in exchange for sanctions relief, including telling all foreign terrorists to leave Syria, deporting "Palestinian terrorists," and helping the U.S. prevent the resurgence of ISIS.

The sanctions were really crippling,” President Trump said, before he traveled to Qatar, where he was given a lavish welcome.

As an al-Qaida fighter in Iraq, he was detained by the American military. As the leader of a U.S.-designated terror group fighting in Syria's civil war, he had a $10 million bounty on his head. As the leader of a fast-changing Syria,

"He's got the potential - he's a real leader," Trump said on Air Force One after meeting Syrian Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa.