Syria Faces the “1979 Dilemma”: Terrorism Designation Emerges as Main Obstacle to Rejoining Global Financial System (opens original article in a new tab)

Syria remains excluded from the global financial system due to its designation as a state sponsor of terrorism by the U.S., despite eased sanctions. The designation, which requires a complex legal process to remove, continues to deter international banks and companies from engaging with Syria.

• Syria's inclusion on the U.S. State Sponsor of Terrorism list blocks its reintegration into the global financial system.
• Removing the designation requires a statutory process involving Congress and the President, making it slower than sanctions relief.
• International banks avoid Syria due to U.S. regulatory risks, hindering trade and financial flows.