Canada Lifts Syria from Terrorism List, Signals New Approach

The Canadian government has officially removed Syria from its list of states that sponsor terrorism, marking a significant shift in its foreign policy nearly a year after the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad‘s regime. This decision comes in the context of ongoing efforts by Syria’s new interim government, led by former Islamist insurgent leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, to reintegrate the country into the international community.

Syria was designated a state sponsor of terrorism in 2012 during the height of its civil war, which began in March 2011. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of nearly half a million people and displaced approximately half of the pre-war population of 23 million. The removal of Syria from the list reflects a broader strategy by Ottawa to support the transitional government in its pursuit of stability and security.

Policy Changes and International Relations

In a statement, Global Affairs Canada emphasized, “These decisions were not taken lightly; the safety and security of Canadians will remain paramount.” The Canadian government noted that its actions align with similar decisions made by allies, including the United Kingdom and the United States. Notably, Ottawa has also removed Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, a group previously linked to al-Qaeda, from its list of terrorist organizations.

The transitional government’s efforts to foster regional stability and counter terrorism were highlighted as essential factors in Canada’s decision. The statement underlined the importance of building an inclusive future for Syrian citizens and collaborating with international partners.

On the diplomatic front, a delegation from the United Nations Security Council recently visited Syria to engage with government officials, including al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani. The delegation, comprised of representatives from the 15 member states, aimed to “build trust” and facilitate dialogue. Samuel Zbogar, the permanent representative of Slovenia to the UN and president of the Security Council, expressed hope that the visit marked a step forward in establishing constructive relations.

Recent Developments in U.S.-Syria Relations

In a notable diplomatic gesture, U.S. President Donald Trump hosted al-Sharaa at the White House last month, further indicating a potential thaw in relations with Syria. This meeting came after the U.S. waived sanctions on the interim president, illustrating a shift in approach towards the Syrian government.

The evolving dynamics in Syria have drawn international attention, particularly regarding the humanitarian situation and the country’s efforts to recover from years of conflict. As the transitional government works to stabilize Syria, the international community remains watchful of its progress and the implications for regional security.

The recent policy shifts by Canada, along with the U.S. engagement, underscore a significant moment in Syrian politics, as the country seeks to redefine its place in the world following a prolonged period of isolation and turmoil.