US and Syria Discuss Counter-Terrorism Cooperation Amidst Sanctions

Officials from the United States and Syria convened in Brussels on March 18 to discuss counter-terrorism efforts. This marks the first formal engagement between Damascus and Washington since Donald Trump's presidency began in January 2017. The meeting focused on strategies to diminish ISIS capabilities. American officials urged Syria to facilitate access for U.S. support in areas where the U.S. has been absent for over a decade. Washington is reportedly seeking a suitable level of cooperation to support its efforts against ISIS. Syrian officials, including Ahmad al-Shami, called for the complete removal of sanctions, arguing they hinder economic recovery. The U.S. has expressed willingness to provide targeted exemptions for humanitarian aid but has not offered a complete removal of sanctions. The U.S. maintains that the conditions for broader sanctions relief have not been met, while Syrian authorities insist that the sanctions are a major obstacle to the country's stability.