In a landmark move on December 5, 2025, Canada announced the removal of Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, marking a significant shift in its foreign policy. This decision comes after Syria’s new leadership, under the control of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), ousted former President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, signaling a dramatic change in Syria’s political landscape. The lifting of sanctions is part of a broader trend among Western countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, to ease restrictions on Syria in response to the country’s evolving governance and attempts at reconciliation with both domestic populations and international powers.
The decision by Canada is not only a reflection of the geopolitical changes in the Middle East but also signals a growing willingness to engage diplomatically with Syria’s new leadership, which has made efforts to present a more moderate image to both Syrians and the international community. Canada’s foreign ministry emphasized that the move was made in alignment with its allies, marking the start of a new phase in the international approach toward Syria.
Syria’s Transformation: From War-Torn to a New Government
Syria has been mired in conflict for more than a decade, primarily after the violent crackdown by Bashar al-Assad’s regime on pro-democracy protests in 2011, which triggered the Syrian Civil War. The war resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths, the displacement of millions, and the widespread destruction of the country’s infrastructure. Assad’s government, long accused of committing war crimes, clung to power through military force, aided by Russia and Iran, despite widespread opposition from both domestic insurgents and international powers.
However, in December 2024, HTS, a former jihadist group with links to Al-Qaeda, took control of the Syrian government after a well-coordinated coup that overthrew Assad’s regime. This marked a turning point for the country, as HTS began to present itself as a more moderate force compared to its violent past, striving to break away from the brutal tactics that characterized Assad’s rule. The new leadership, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, who was once associated with extremist elements, has made efforts to adopt a more inclusive and pragmatic approach to governance, aiming to stabilize the country and restore diplomatic relations with international powers.
The transition has been challenging, with Syria’s new leaders struggling to balance their past associations with terrorism while demonstrating their willingness to govern in a manner that can gain international acceptance. These efforts have not gone unnoticed, particularly in the West, where the new leadership’s moves toward moderation have paved the way for a recalibration of policies toward Syria.
Canada’s Decision: Part of a Larger Shift in Western Policy
Canada’s decision to lift sanctions on Syria follows similar steps by other Western countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, which have also begun to ease restrictions in the hope of fostering stability in the region. In Canada’s case, the removal of Syria from the list of state sponsors of terrorism was particularly notable because it reflects a broader diplomatic shift. Canada had originally listed Syria as a state sponsor of terrorism in 2012, following Assad’s violent repression of democratic protests and his support for various militant groups. The designation was one of the strongest forms of sanction imposed by Canada on any country, reflecting the international condemnation of Assad’s regime at the time.
With Syria’s new leadership, Canada’s foreign ministry explained that the decision to lift sanctions was made after careful consideration, in line with the actions of its key allies. The foreign ministry emphasized that this move was a result of the Syrian transitional government’s efforts to stabilize the country and address long-standing issues of governance and security. Canada’s decision was thus not just a policy shift based on Syrian actions but also a strategic move to align with broader international trends.
The easing of sanctions also follows a growing belief in the international community that continued isolation of Syria could hinder the country’s recovery and prevent it from reintegrating into regional and global diplomatic systems. By engaging with Syria’s new leadership, Canada and its allies are signaling that they are open to supporting the country’s efforts toward stability, while also addressing concerns about terrorism and regional security.
The Role of HTS: A Controversial but Pragmatic Transition
The role of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in Syria’s transformation remains a controversial issue. Once a group linked to Al-Qaeda, HTS played a significant role in the ousting of Assad, marking a critical turning point in Syria’s civil war. Initially, HTS was notorious for its violent actions, including bombings, executions, and strict interpretations of Islamic law. However, since taking power, HTS has sought to reinvent itself as a more moderate entity, distancing itself from its extremist roots.
The transition has not been without challenges. While HTS’s leaders have publicly renounced their connections to radical Islamism, many in the international community remain skeptical about the group’s true intentions. Critics argue that HTS’s shift to a more moderate stance could be motivated by the desire to gain international legitimacy rather than a genuine commitment to peaceful governance. However, the group’s efforts to introduce reforms and engage with the international community suggest a pragmatic shift in strategy, as it seeks to rebuild Syria and secure international aid.
The international community remains divided on how to engage with HTS. While some countries, including Canada, have begun to ease sanctions in response to Syria’s political transformation, others remain cautious, worried that HTS might revert to its militant past. The continued focus on Syria’s internal stability and its relations with neighboring countries will be crucial in determining whether HTS can maintain its more moderate image and successfully govern the country.
Canada’s Continued Sanctions on Assad Loyalists
Despite lifting sanctions on Syria as a whole, Canada has maintained sanctions on several individuals linked to the former Assad regime. These include members of the Assad family and other high-ranking officials who played a role in the violence and human rights abuses committed during the civil war. By continuing to target these individuals, Canada is signaling that it does not fully endorse the regime’s past actions, but is willing to engage with the new leadership if it adheres to principles of moderation and governance.
The decision to continue sanctions on Assad loyalists aligns with broader international concerns about accountability for war crimes committed during the Syrian conflict. Many countries, including Canada, continue to demand justice for the atrocities committed under Assad’s regime. However, by engaging with Syria’s new leaders, Canada is making a strategic decision to encourage change and foster long-term stability in the region, while still holding accountable those responsible for past violence.
The Future of Syria: A Delicate Path Forward
Syria’s future remains uncertain, but the lifting of sanctions marks a critical moment in its post-Assad era. As the country moves forward under new leadership, the international community must balance its concerns about terrorism and human rights with the need to support Syria’s recovery. The efforts to break from the violent past of Bashar al-Assad’s regime will require continued international cooperation, particularly in the areas of governance, economic recovery, and security.
While Syria’s new leaders have taken significant steps toward moderation, their ability to implement lasting reforms and gain the trust of both Syrians and the international community remains a work in progress. The coming years will be crucial in determining whether Syria can rebuild and re-enter the global diplomatic fold, or whether it will continue to struggle with internal conflict and external skepticism.
The easing of sanctions by Canada, alongside the broader shift in Western policy, represents a significant opportunity for Syria. But it also presents a challenge: to prove that its transformation is not just a political tactic, but a genuine commitment to building a peaceful, stable, and inclusive nation.
