Latest news with #SyriaSanctions
Globe and Mail
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Globe and Mail
Letters to the editor, May 19: ‘No wonder many think this is the same old Liberal government'
Re 'Canada should reduce Syria sanctions to align with U.S. and Britain, experts say' (May 15): Throughout its tenure, I saw the Trudeau government endlessly drag its feet on numerous issues before finally acting, even though the right responses to these issues had been obvious for months. Anita Anand, as Canada's new Foreign Affairs Minister and former minister in that Trudeau government, is already declining comment. Looks like it's hard to abandon ingrained habits. Let's hope our Prime Minister is ready to set a new energy and pace. Edward Carson Toronto Re 'Finance Minister Champagne suggests Ottawa won't present budget this year'(May 15): I was shocked by our Prime Minister keeping Steven Guilbeault in his cabinet as Canadian Identity Minister, given his time as climate change minister and his adverse impact on Alberta relations. Already he is at it again questioning new pipelines, even though it's not part of his new portfolio. No wonder many think this is the same old Liberal government with this guy at the table. The Prime Minister should curb this environmentalist before he causes more damage to Canada and Alberta relations, if he is truly intent on uniting the country and governing for all. David Field Calgary Re 'An old Liberal front bench bolted to a new Carney mission' (May 14): The election was upended by an external threat to the country. Voters decided to place their trust once again in the Liberals and in Mark Carney. Experience and knowledge is crucial in the short term. Placing inexperienced MPs on the front bench would have attracted as much, if not more, criticism. Who would you suggest instead? Elizabeth Caskey Vancouver To my friends in the West, some advice for the next election: If they want to have a seat at the table, they should vote with their heads, not their hearts. Take a page out of the Quebec playbook and elect MPs who will be part of government, rather than mere observers and critics. The reversal of Liberal fortunes was evident before the election. Although it may seem traitorous to the Western soul, voting for the party that was likely to win the election would have been a more strategic choice. To be properly heard, they need to be in the thick of it with their sleeves rolled up, not just shouting into the wind. Steve Edmonds Mississauga What, no Minister of Alberta Whining? Quebec Self-importance? Foreign Interference? American Lunacy? Global Climate Inferno? Digital Addiction? What about Budget Deficits? Frustrated Snowbirds? Procurement Logjams? Grocery Gouging? Last but not least, what about a Minister of the Next Pandemic? Nigel Smith Toronto Re 'Month to month' (Letters, May 14): A letter-writer suggests that Pierre Poilievre should pay rent for continuing to stay at Stornoway, and considers this a taxpayer-funded free ride. Mr. Poilievre has said he will not take the $150,000 transition allowance owed to him for losing his seat, I assume because he feels in all likelihood he will win the upcoming by-election. Stornoway is for the leader of the official opposition. Does it really matter if it is Andrew Scheer or Mr. Poilievre? It costs taxpayers the same regardless. But having Mr. Poilievre move out and then back in would be a waste of taxpayer money. The Conservatives and Mr. Poilievre have chosen what seems to be a practical decision that saves taxpayers the maximum. If the letter-writer is truly interested in saving taxpayer money, then she should be completely in favour of this. Robert McCullough Edmonton Re 'Canada's electric vehicle strategy has failed, and there are lessons to learn' (Report on Business, May 12): I see only one lesson: Governments cannot pick winners and should not give away billions of dollars of borrowed money to construct the industrial landscape that suits its worldview. The market is always correct, money will go where it is wanted and where it can do the best. Clay Atcheson North Vancouver Re 'Canada needs a foreign human intelligence service' (May 12): As a long-time advocate for a standalone foreign intelligence service, I was pleased to read this opinion. I would disagree on only two points: timeframe to establish such a service and suggested costs. Several departments are engaged in foreign intelligence collection. A determined and committed government could direct that these disparate groups be merged into one agency, which would form the core of a service. The funding supporting these groups, and indeed any budget to expand foreign intelligence outside Canada, would be redirected to a new service. These actions would require strong leadership from government to overcome bureaucratic intransigency. There would be no need for a lengthy period of drafting appropriate legislation: On March 17, 2003, then-MP David Pratt introduced bill C-409, an act to establish the Canadian Foreign Intelligence Agency. The legislation and tools are available, awaiting government action. Alistair Hensler Assistant director (retired), Canadian Security Intelligence Service; Ottawa Re 'Ottawa should look to B.C.'s fast-track blueprint for big projects' (Editorial, May 13): A lesson can be learned from the book People in the Way: The Human Aspects of the Columbia River Treaty Project by James Wood Wilson, published in 1973. Mr. Wilson was an urban planner who had been in charge of the resettlement of people displaced by the flooding of the Columbia River due to dams built by BC Hydro. Villages, farms and homes were flooded, displacing Indigenous and settler populations and disrupting their lives. In 1969, I was a planning graduate student at the University of Waterloo where Mr. Wilson was on faculty. He was writing his book at the time, and in his seminars we discussed how bureaucracies treat 'people in the way' of large projects. I learned a lot. Reiner Jaakson Oakville, Ont. Re 'An honest mess: Is the pressure to deep clean for guests sabotaging our social time?' (May 14): There is no frantic cleaning in our home prior to guests arriving. I have a bottle containing Pine-Sol that I spray around the house. Presto, a clean-smelling home in about 30 seconds that I jokingly refer to as 'Fake House.' Peter Dielissen Fredericton Just adopt comedian Phyllis Diller's attitude: 'If your house is really a mess and a stranger comes to the door, greet him with, 'Who could have done this? We have no enemies!'' Greg Milosh Oshawa Letters to the Editor should be exclusive to The Globe and Mail. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. Keep letters to 150 words or fewer. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. To submit a letter by e-mail, click here: letters@
Arab News
15-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia's strategic role in the new world order
President Donald Trump's declaration during the US-Saudi Investment Forum in Riyadh on Tuesday that America will lift its sanctions on Syria was not merely a change in American foreign policy — it was a signal of the geopolitical evolution currently underway in the Middle East and beyond. The fact that such a consequential announcement came not from Washington, Brussels or the UN headquarters in New York but from the Saudi capital underscores Riyadh's growing influence in shaping global outcomes. The forum itself has grown into a pivotal platform where transformative regional and international decisions are unveiled. Its significance lies not just in the participation of high-profile leaders, but in what it symbolizes: the emergence of Saudi Arabia as a diplomatic power center — no longer defined solely by its economic wealth or religious importance, but increasingly by its political foresight, strategic initiatives and ability to convene power brokers across ideological and geopolitical divides. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whose leadership continues to redefine the role of the Kingdom in regional and global affairs, played a central role in facilitating the Syria sanctions breakthrough. Joined virtually by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the crown prince oversaw talks that reflect a new regionalism — one that prioritizes practical cooperation, long-term stability and a departure from the failed policies of the post-Arab Spring era. In a world increasingly moving away from unilateralism, the Saudi-led model of inclusive dialogue and shared regional responsibility offers a compelling blueprint for conflict resolution and reintegration. The implications for Syria are profound. After more than a decade of conflict, foreign intervention, economic collapse and humanitarian catastrophe, this announcement represents the first credible step toward normalcy. The US' lifting of sanctions — long a symbol of international isolation — opens a path for reconstruction, investment and diplomatic engagement. Crucially, it signals to the Syrian people that the world is willing to support a new chapter — if their leadership embraces genuine change. The Saudi-led model of inclusive dialogue and shared regional responsibility offers a compelling blueprint Hani Hazaimeh For too long, Syria has served as a battleground for proxy wars and ideological showdowns, often at the expense of its citizens. Now, under a new leadership framework, the country stands at a pivotal juncture. Reintegration into the regional system and the global community will depend on the new Syrian government's ability to meet expectations — chiefly, to uphold human rights, ensure inclusive governance and rebuild a state that serves its people rather than represses them. This is not a carte blanche but an opportunity — facilitated by Riyadh — to demonstrate a commitment to a new political and social contract. Saudi Arabia's involvement is not incidental — it is foundational. Over the past few years, the Kingdom has emerged as a quiet but powerful broker of peace. From hosting Sudanese peace negotiations to leading Arab League reconciliation efforts and supporting global humanitarian causes, Saudi diplomacy has transitioned from behind-the-scenes influence to front-line leadership. The Syria initiative is yet another manifestation of this shift. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia's strategic balancing between global powers — maintaining close ties with the US while expanding its partnerships with China, Russia and other emerging economies — has given it a unique edge. It is able to speak to all sides, understand their strategic imperatives and mediate with credibility. This equidistant diplomacy allows Saudi Arabia to act as a trusted interlocutor in conflict zones that often defy resolution through traditional channels. The economic dimension of this realignment is equally critical. The lifting of sanctions on Syria, especially in coordination with a regional power like Saudi Arabia, sends a clear signal to investors, institutions and international agencies: Syria is now potentially open for business, under new conditions. Saudi Arabia, through its sovereign funds and public-private partnerships, may play a leading role in Syria's reconstruction. More importantly, it can ensure that such investments are tied to benchmarks of stability, transparency and development — a vision that aligns with both regional security and Vision 2030's broader ambitions. Vision 2030, often seen through the lens of internal reform, must also be recognized as a geopolitical doctrine. It projects Saudi Arabia not merely as a regional leader but as a global partner — capable of hosting G20 summits, leading digital transformation efforts through the Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence, and now influencing postconflict transitions in one of the most devastated countries in the region. The convergence of technology, diplomacy and economic diversification gives Riyadh unmatched leverage in the evolving global order. Vision 2030, often seen through the lens of internal reform, must also be recognized as a geopolitical doctrine Hani Hazaimeh Trump's decision to make this announcement in Riyadh reflects a broader truth: the center of gravity in global diplomacy is shifting. The Middle East, long regarded as a source of instability, is now producing solutions — driven by regional actors that are stepping into leadership vacuums. Saudi Arabia, with its financial power, cultural reach and increasingly sophisticated statecraft, is not just reacting to global changes — it is initiating them. For Syria, the path forward remains fraught with challenges. Internal political reconciliation, the return of refugees, rebuilding infrastructure and addressing a traumatized society will take time and vision. But with regional support — particularly from a partner as committed and capable as Saudi Arabia — the possibility of renewal is real. Riyadh's facilitation of Syria's diplomatic rehabilitation marks a pivotal test for the future of the region: can Arab states reclaim agency over their affairs and shape a future that prioritizes people over power, stability over chaos and cooperation over confrontation? Saudi Arabia's leadership today is not about dominance — it is about direction. The Kingdom is setting the tone for what the Middle East can become in the 21st century: a hub of innovation, diplomacy and responsible power. And in doing so, it is not just transforming its own identity but reshaping the narrative of an entire region. History may record the lifting of US sanctions on Syria as a turning point. But even more importantly, it will remember where it happened — and who made it possible.
Al Arabiya
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Al Arabiya
First US-Syria presidential meeting in 25 years as Trump announces sanctions relief
In this episode of Global News Today, presented by Tom Burges Watson, we focus on US President Donald Trump's 'historic' Middle East tour. In Saudi Arabia, the first stop on his trip, Trump made a surprise announcement that he would lift US sanctions on Syria at the request of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Trump later met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh – the first meeting between a US and Syrian president in 25 years. Guests: Mike Dubke – Former director of communications for President Trump Allen B. West – Former member of the US Congress Jasmine El-Gamal – Former Pentagon Middle East advisor Greg Swenson – Chair of Republicans Overseas
Arab News
14-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Trump's visit reflected the depth of the strategic partnership between US and Saudi says foreign minister
RIYADH: Trump's visit reflected the depth of the strategic partnership between US and Saudi said foreign minister Faisal bin Farhan in a press conference in Riyadh on Wednesday. "Our decades-long defense and security partnership with the US will continue to grow stronger," said Bin Farhan. Saudi investments in the US are guided by the principle of prioritizing the Kingdom's national interests he added. The minister said Saudi Arabia shares a strong and strategic economic partnership with the United States and aims to increase trade between the two nations. Bin Farhan said the Kingdom agreed with the US on the necessity of stopping the war in Gaza and welcomed President Trump's decision to lift sanctions on Syria.
The Guardian
13-05-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
US and Saudi Arabia sign $142bn arms deal and Trump confirms meeting with Syrian leader
The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed a $142bn arms deal touted by the White House as the 'largest defence sales agreement in history' in the first stop of Donald Trump's four-day diplomatic tour to the Gulf states aimed at securing big deals and spotlighting the benefits of Trump's transactional foreign policy. During the trip, the White House also confirmed that Trump would meet with Syria's new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, the former rebel commander whose forces helped overthrow Bashar al-Assad in 2024. The informal meeting will be the first face-to-face meeting between a US president and a Syrian leader since 2000, when Bill Clinton met with the late leader Hafez al-Assad in Geneva. Speaking at an investment forum on Tuesday, Trump said that he planned to lift sanctions on Syria after holding talks with Saudi Arabia's Mohammed bin Salman and Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. 'I will be ordering the cessation of sanctions against Syria In order to give them a chance at greatness,' Trump said. Sharaa's pitch to woo the Syrian president offered access to Syrian oil, reconstruction contracts and to build a Trump Tower in Damascus in exchange for the lifting of US sanctions on Syria. Though the details of the sanctions' relief were still unclear, Sharaa's team in Damascus was celebrating. 'This is amazing, it worked,' said Radwan Ziadeh, a Syrian writer and activist who is close to the Syrian president. He shared a picture of an initial mockup of Trump tower Damascus. 'This is how you win his heart and mind,' he said, noting that Sharaa would likely show Trump the design during their meeting in Riyadh tomorrow. The visit was heavily focused on business interests and securing quick wins – often with characteristic Trumpian embellishment – for the administration. Saudi Arabia's Salman pledged to invest $600bn in the United States during a lunch with Trump, including $20bn in artificial intelligence data centres in the US, purchases of gas turbines and other energy equipment worth $14.2bn, nearly $5bn in Boeing 737-8 jets, and other deals. But details of the specific commitments remained vague, the numbers put out by the White House did not total $600bn, and some of the programs began under Joe Biden's administration. The White House called the arms deal the 'largest defence sales agreement in history' and said that it includes plans for more than a dozen US defense companies to sell weapons, equipment and services in the areas of air force advancement and space capabilities, air and missile defense, as well as border and maritime security. The US president was feted with a royal guard as he arrived in Riyadh on Tuesday. Royal Saudi Air Force F-15s escorted Trump's Air Force One jet as it arrived in Riyadh and Trump sat with Salman in an ornate hall at the Royal Court at Al Yamamah Palace with US and Saudi and business elite. Among them were Elon Musk, prominent figures in AI like Sam Altman, as well the chief executives of IBM, BlackRock, Citigroup, Palantir and Nvidia, among others. When Salman pledged that Saudi Arabia would invest $600bn in the US economy, Trump smiled and joked that it should be $1tn. The trip is part of a reordering of Middle Eastern politics dominated by Trump's America First platform of prioritising domestic US economic and security interests over foreign alliances and international law. Critics have said that the dealmaking empowers Trump and a coterie of businessmen around the president, and the US president's family has business interests in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, giving this administration an unprecedented conflict of interest. The meeting between Trump and Salman was characterised by smiles and friendly backslapping, a sharp contrast to past summits when the Saudi leader was mired in controversy over the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. While his administration touted big deals, Trump also admitted that his geopolitical goals of Saudi Arabia's diplomatic recognition of Israel would take time due in large part to the Israel's prosecution of the war in Gaza. 'It will be a special day in the Middle East, with the whole world watching, when Saudi Arabia joins us' in the Abraham accords, the Trump administration's framework for Arab states to recognise Israel, he said. 'And I really think it's going to be something special – but you'll do it in your own time.' Trump is also due to visit the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday before continuing on to Qatar this week. His negotiations in the region have been characterised by big ticket investment deals, and those appeared to play a role in his reversal of US policy on Syria as well. Sharaa, who is keen to normalise relations with the US, has reportedly offered Trump a number of sweeteners including the Trump tower in Damascus, a demilitarised zone by the Golan Heights that would strengthen Israel's claim to the territory it has occupied since 1967, diplomatic recognition of Israel, and a profit-sharing deal on resources similar to the Ukraine minerals deal. The idea to offer Trump a piece of real estate with his name on it in the heart of Damascus was thought up by a US Republican senator, who passed on the idea to the Sharaa's team. 'Sanctions in Syria are very complicated, but with Trump, he can [get] most of them lifted. It is a great opportunity,' Ziadeh said. The trip is also extraordinary for Trump's decision not to visit Israel, the US's closest ally in the region, due to the war in Gaza and Trump's fraught relationship with Benjamin Netanyahu. Hamas released the last remaining American hostage, Edan Alexander, on the eve of Trump's visit to the Middle East, in an effort to push Trump to pressure Netanyahu to end the war. Netanyahu doubled down on the war on Tuesday in a show of defiance, saying that any ceasefire would on be 'temporary'. 'In the coming days, we will enter with full force to complete the operation to defeat Hamas,' he said. 'Our forces are there now.' 'There will be no situation where we stop the war,' he added.
