The sanctions were designed to put pressure on the Assad regime, but they also severely affected the general population by cutting it off from most of global trade.

The Trump administration issued orders Friday to begin easing sanctions on Syria, marking a major policy shift after US President Donald Trump pledged earlier this month to roll back the measures during a trip to the Middle East.

The Trump administration is lifting sanctions on Syria, which was anticipated after President Donald Trump said he would do so during his trip to the Middle East last week. The sanctions relief could offer improved diplomatic relations with Syria,