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Does the easing of US sanctions on Syria come with strings attached?

Does the easing of US sanctions on Syria come with strings attached?

The National8 hours ago
During a visit to the Gulf in May, US President Donald Trump made a surprise announcement that he would revoke sanctions on Syria. This week, he kept that promise.
He signed an executive order on Monday to waive or review penalties, some of which have been in place for decades. The move comes as a relief for struggling Syrians after almost 14 years of a brutal civil war that has devastated their economy.
For their transitional leader Ahmad Al Shara, it's a milestone that could give him the legitimacy that he and his Hayat Tahrir Al Sham-led government so desperately seek. But it also brings him new and complicated challenges.
'President Trump wants Syria to succeed – but not at the expense of US interests,' the White House said, while establishing ties with Israel would be a priority. The question is, what pressures could this impose on the new Damascus government?
In this episode of Beyond the Headlines, guest host Ban Barkawi looks at US interests in Syria and the fine line Mr Al Shara will have to walk to keep his people and the West happy. She speaks to Jihan Abdalla, The National 's senior correspondent in Washington, and Omar Dahi, director at Security in Context.
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Iraqis 'losing faith' in elections amid political boycotts and vote-buying allegations
Iraqis 'losing faith' in elections amid political boycotts and vote-buying allegations

The National

time31 minutes ago

  • The National

Iraqis 'losing faith' in elections amid political boycotts and vote-buying allegations

As Iraq gears up for the national elections later this year, the electoral process is becoming mired in controversy over allegations of vote buying and the use of illegally acquired political funds, as well as boycotts by some political parties. These developments are raising doubts whether the November 11 vote, Iraq's sixth parliamentary election since the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein 's regime, will be free, fair and truly representative or just another step towards reinforcing the grip of dominant parties. The most recent blow came from former prime minister Haider Al Abadi 's Victory Coalition, which announced this week that it would not field any candidates in the election. It cited concerns over political spending, the use of state resources to influence voters and a lack of legal safeguards against fraud. 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Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill explained
Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill explained

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Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill explained

Image: Getty Images In July 2025, the US Congress enacted the sweeping One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB): a landmark legislative overhaul combining permanent extensions of Trump-era tax cuts for individuals and businesses with major spending cuts to welfare programmes and a hefty increase in defense and border security outlays. The bill narrowly cleared its final hurdle in the House of Representatives, positioning it to become law following his signature on July 4. According to the add approximately $3.3–$ 3.4 trillion to federal deficits over the next decade and leave 11–12 million Americans without Medicaid coverage, a claim strongly disputed by the White House. 'President Trump's One Big, Beautiful Bill delivers on the commonsense agenda that nearly 80 million Americans voted for – the largest middle-class tax cut in history, permanent border security, massive military funding, and restoring fiscal sanity. The pro-growth policies within this historic legislation are going to fuel an economic boom like we've never seen before. President Trump looks forward to signing the One Big, Beautiful Bill into law to officially usher in the Golden Age of America,' the VICTORY: The One Big Beautiful Bill Passes U.S. Congress, Heads to President Trump's Desk 🇺🇸🎉 — The White House (@WhiteHouse) From a B2B perspective, this bill sends strong signals: a brighter corporate tax landscape and investment clarity, contrasted with harsh reductions in healthcare and social safety nets. It deliberately reshapes incentives in sectors like renewable energy, defense, manufacturing, and infrastructure, offering strategic opportunities for businesses and investors. With permanent 2017 tax cuts, expanded bonuses, and full 100% expensing, the bill aims to stimulate corporate investment. Yet it simultaneously reverses many climate-related credits, potentially chilling solar and wind projects . Defense and security sectors, by contrast, are set to benefit from a . Lost in the US-centric coverage, however, are ripple effects in the GCC region, from fiscal and investment flows to energy markets and defense partnerships. Gulf sovereign wealth funds with heavy US bond and equity exposure may see altered yields and investment valuations. A return to robust US fossil fuel production and weaker renewables support could benefit GCC oil exporters, even as geopolitical and military collaboration dynamics evolve. Sector-Wise Breakdown Tax & Corporate Sector Permanent tax cuts : Lowers corporate and individual tax rates, increases Business certainty : Enhanced planning through long-term tax predictability, including 100% Section 179 expensing. Trade & remittance levy : Introduces a 1% tax on remittances—raising potential issues for global fund flows . Healthcare & Welfare Drastic Medicaid/SNAP cuts : Deep reductions could strip about 10–11 million low-income Americans of benefits. Eligibility changes : Programmes now include stricter work mandates and state cost-sharing, potentially straining hospital systems. Defense & Border Security Defense boost : +$150 billion for military, including 'Golden Dome' missile defense, drones, and nuclear upgrades. Immigration enforcement : +$150 billion for border control, ICE expansion, detention capacity for up to 1 million deportees annually. Energy & Environment Clean energy rollback : Repeals IRA tax credits, halts renewables momentum, and favors fossil fuels, nuclear, and gas sectors . Energy dominance push : Positions US around nuclear and gas reliability; delays investment in solar and wind . Infrastructure & Tech ATC modernisation : . Spectrum & R&D incentives : 600 MHz spectrum auction planned by 2034; R&D expensing restored to spur innovation . Agriculture & Rural Support for rural hospitals : $50 billion allocated to support struggling healthcare systems in non-urban areas . 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