The United States has quietly approved a Qatari initiative to finance salaries for Syrian public-sector workers, marking a significant shift in Western engagement with post-Assad Syria, according to three sources familiar with the matter.
The funding plan—cleared by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)—is expected to enable a gradual salary increase of up to 400% for over a million Syrian civil servants, offering critical relief to a country crippled by 14 years of war, sanctions, and decades of economic mismanagement.
A Syrian financial source confirmed that the Qatari funds would start flowing next month, under strict conditions that exclude the interior and defense ministries, in line with Western concerns over the fundamentalist background of the new Syrian leadership.
The move reflects a notable, if cautious, softening of U.S. policy, which had remained largely frozen under sanctions dating back to former President Bashar al-Assad’s rule. The current government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, has sought to distance itself from its Islamist origins under Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which deposed Assad last year.
While Sharaa has not fully convinced Western capitals of his political transformation, the Biden administration's January sanctions exemption—and now Trump’s continuity of that policy—has opened space for Gulf Arab states to provide economic lifelines. In April, Saudi Arabia and Qatar jointly repaid Syria’s debts to the World Bank, enabling renewed access to international financial assistance.
Qatar, which had been reluctant to act without a U.S. greenlight, is now expected to finalize the payment plan once it receives written confirmation from OFAC. Diplomats familiar with the discussions said this could come within days.
The Qatari initiative aligns with Syria’s newly launched free market reforms, a break from decades of protectionism under Assad. The Syrian government plans to complement the Qatari-backed salary increase with domestic funding for other employees not covered by the deal.
Despite progress, ambiguity over the broader U.S. sanctions regime continues to challenge efforts by international stakeholders to engage with Damascus. Humanitarian and financial institutions have requested clearer exemptions to avoid violating U.S. law.
Western officials remain wary of Syria’s security apparatus, even after the official dissolution of HTS in January. The group emerged from Jabhat al-Nusra, formerly al-Qaeda’s affiliate in Syria, and remains a sticking point in policy deliberations.
Economic revitalization remains at the core of Sharaa’s administration. With 90% of Syrians living in poverty, according to UN data, rebuilding state institutions and restoring public confidence are viewed as essential for national recovery.
The Qatari initiative may serve as a test case for future international engagement with Syria—one that balances economic stabilization with enduring security and human rights concerns.
Georgia’s State Security Service has dismissed a U.S. Embassy warning about a bomb threat at Tbilisi malls as false, criticizing the embassy for issuing the alert without coordination and urging more responsible diplomatic communication.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a stern warning on Thursday, stating that Yemen's Houthi rebels will face severe retaliation if they continue launching attacks on Israel. He emphasized that the Israeli Defence Forces are fully prepared to respond to any threat.
U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to announce a major trade deal with the UK on Thursday, marking Britain’s second deal in a week and potentially lowering tariffs on steel and autos, according to sources cited by the New York Times.
Italian luxury carmaker Ferrari posted a strong 17% year-on-year increase in net profit for the first quarter of 2025, but warned that U.S. import tariffs could pose a threat to its earnings outlook for the year ahead.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Tuesday that the U.S. will stop airstrikes against Yemen's Houthi rebels after the group agreed to cease attacks on key shipping routes in the Middle East.
Before becoming Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost shared rare insights on faith, unity, and modern challenges in a few candid interviews.
A humanitarian ship carrying 20,000 tons of Ukrainian wheat docked in Samsun, Türkiye, on Thursday, marking a major World Food Program initiative to supply crisis-hit regions, including Syria.
North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un supervised a missile test on Thursday, emphasizing the nation's nuclear combat readiness, according to state media KCNA.
EU foreign ministers will visit Lviv, Ukraine, on May 9 to discuss defense support and endorse plans for a tribunal on war crimes and aggression.
The election of U.S. Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV has drawn an emotional response from clergy and laity across the globe, celebrating his historic rise as the first American to lead the Catholic Church.
India has fired a series of missiles into Pakistani-controlled territory, in what it has described as “Operation Sindoor”
Discover every major VE Day 80 event in Britain, 5‑8 May 2025—from London’s parade and fly‑past to street parties, concerts and museum exhibitions.
For the first time in history, an American has been chosen to lead the Catholic Church, as Cardinal Robert Prevost is named pope.
Chinese e-commerce platform Temu has announced it will no longer sell goods directly from China to U.S. customers, shifting instead to U.S.-based sellers amid the closure of a long-criticized customs loophole.
Cardinals from 70 nations have gathered in Vatican City to begin the historic conclave to elect the next pope, following the death of Pope Francis 17 days ago. This conclave is the most geographically diverse in Church history, showcasing Francis’ legacy of inclusivity.
Before becoming Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost shared rare insights on faith, unity, and modern challenges in a few candid interviews.
A humanitarian ship carrying 20,000 tons of Ukrainian wheat docked in Samsun, Türkiye, on Thursday, marking a major World Food Program initiative to supply crisis-hit regions, including Syria.
North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un supervised a missile test on Thursday, emphasizing the nation's nuclear combat readiness, according to state media KCNA.
EU foreign ministers will visit Lviv, Ukraine, on May 9 to discuss defense support and endorse plans for a tribunal on war crimes and aggression.
The election of U.S. Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV has drawn an emotional response from clergy and laity across the globe, celebrating his historic rise as the first American to lead the Catholic Church.
Before becoming Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost shared rare insights on faith, unity, and modern challenges in a few candid interviews.
A humanitarian ship carrying 20,000 tons of Ukrainian wheat docked in Samsun, Türkiye, on Thursday, marking a major World Food Program initiative to supply crisis-hit regions, including Syria.
North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un supervised a missile test on Thursday, emphasizing the nation's nuclear combat readiness, according to state media KCNA.
EU foreign ministers will visit Lviv, Ukraine, on May 9 to discuss defense support and endorse plans for a tribunal on war crimes and aggression.
The election of U.S. Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV has drawn an emotional response from clergy and laity across the globe, celebrating his historic rise as the first American to lead the Catholic Church.
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