In what is arguably the most impactful deliverable from President Donald Trump's trip to Ankara, Turkey, this week, the US on Wednesday formally began the process of removing Syria from the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism (SST).
There are only four countries on that list: Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and Syria, which was added in 1979.
"This is yet another historic step by President Trump to give the Syrian people a chance at greatness," US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement.
"Lifting sanctions on Syria will unlock international trade and investment, give Syria a chance to rebuild, and open up a new chapter for the Syrian people. A stable, unified Syria at peace with itself and its neighbours benefits not only the region, but the entire world."
The move primarily unlocks export restrictions on defence-related items and allows for the US to deliver more foreign aid, which could include things like support for the Syrian military and local police forces, as the country leaves behind 14 years of civil war.
