Tensions are mounting within Donald Trump’s inner circle as key members of his team remain sharply divided over how to implement the former president’s promise to ease U.S. sanctions on Syria—a pledge that has sparked both domestic and international debate.
Sources close to the Trump camp say there is no unified strategy yet on how to move forward, with hawkish advisors warning against any relaxation of sanctions that might embolden the Assad regime, while others argue that a targeted easing could facilitate humanitarian aid and regional stability.
The issue has resurfaced following Trump’s public comments at a recent campaign rally, where he pledged to “rethink the sanctions regime” on Syria, calling it “counterproductive” and saying it hurt “ordinary people more than those in power.”
Within the team, national security aides and foreign policy advisors are reportedly split. Some insist that current sanctions, particularly those under the Caesar Act, are necessary to keep pressure on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and to hold the regime accountable for war crimes and human rights abuses. They caution that any rollback could undermine U.S. credibility and alienate key allies in the Middle East.
Others, however, advocate for a more pragmatic approach. They argue that the humanitarian crisis in Syria, compounded by years of conflict and economic collapse, justifies a careful review of existing sanctions—especially those affecting food, medicine, and essential services.
“There’s recognition within some parts of the team that the current policy isn’t working,” said one insider familiar with the discussions. “Trump wants a win on the global stage. He sees the possibility of repositioning the U.S. as a broker for peace and recovery in the region.”
Analysts say the former president’s rhetoric could be part of a broader 2024 campaign strategy aimed at appealing to war-weary voters who favor a less interventionist foreign policy. However, any shift in policy on Syria will face strong opposition from both Republicans and Democrats in Congress, many of whom support maintaining the sanctions.
Internationally, Trump’s remarks have sparked concern among U.S. allies, especially in Europe, where officials fear that easing sanctions without concrete concessions from Damascus could reward authoritarian behavior and disrupt fragile regional balances.
The internal debate has also revealed deeper divisions within the Trump camp about the direction of American foreign policy. With the former president still exerting significant influence over the GOP, his stance on Syria could shape the party’s broader posture on Middle East engagement and sanctions policy.
As Trump weighs his next moves, observers say the outcome of this debate could have far-reaching implications—not only for Syria but for America’s global role in enforcing human rights and international norms.
Source : Swifteradio.com
