In a significant recalibration of US foreign policy, the Trump administration has taken concrete steps to disengage from Syria. The decision in April to withdraw 500 troops from eastern Syria, followed by moves to lift sanctions and appoint a special envoy to Damascus, suggests that Washington is actively “de-prioritizing” Syria on its strategic map. This shift has profound implications for the region – and most notably, it positions Turkiye as the principal beneficiary.

At the heart of the shift is a new geopolitical reality following the fall of Bashar al-Assad. The rise of Ahmad Al-Sharaa to Syria’s presidency initially met with cautious skepticism in Washington. US officials voiced concerns about his ties, his commitment to Syria’s ethnic and religious minorities, and the potential resurgence of Daesh (ISIS). Yet, in a series of rapid developments, President Donald Trump has signaled a willingness to move past initial misgivings.

The clearest sign of this pivot came after Trump’s surprising meeting with Al-Sharaa in Riyadh. Despite past US hostility toward Assad’s regime and his associates, Trump described the new Syrian leader in warm terms, arguing that lifting economic pressure “would give them a chance.” This marked a stark departure from prior policy under both his own administration and that of President Obama.

This change in US posture is being executed through three key channels: lifting sanctions, re-engagement with Damascus, and military withdrawal.

First, the sanctions relief. The White House has already rescinded several layers of economic sanctions that were severely impacting Syria’s post-war economy. More significantly, officials are drafting a sweeping executive order that would permanently roll back major economic restrictions. The move clears the way for international – particularly Turkish – investment in Syria’s........

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