After more than a decade of relentless conflict, bloodshed and destruction, Syria — once one of the cultural and economic pillars of the Arab world — finds itself at a pivotal moment in its history. For years, Syrians lived under the shadow of despair, enduring sanctions, isolation and the devastation of war with little hope of respite. Yet, as the dust begins to settle, a new chapter is being written.

Recent political and diplomatic developments have brought a renewed sense of optimism and transformation. In this moment of profound transition, Saudi Arabia has risen as a beacon of hope, offering both humanitarian lifelines and diplomatic breakthroughs that could redefine Syria’s future.

In an extraordinary turn of events that many did not anticipate, President Donald Trump announced the full lifting of US sanctions on Syria during his historic visit to Riyadh last week. It was a moment that underscored the power of diplomacy and Saudi Arabia’s growing influence on the world stage.

The Kingdom had called for the lifting of sanctions on post-Assad Syria, arguing that the punitive measures were no longer serving their intended purpose and were instead prolonging the suffering of ordinary Syrians. That Trump chose to reveal this monumental policy shift not from Washington but from Riyadh speaks volumes about the Kingdom’s diplomatic stature and its instrumental role in this geopolitical pivot.

The message was clear: the new Syria is open to reconciliation and Saudi Arabia is the bridge facilitating that path forward

Dr. Majid Rafizadeh

Hours after the announcement, Trump met with new Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa in a symbolic and highly consequential summit facilitated by Saudi Arabia. The fact that this meeting happened on Saudi soil added to the historic nature of the moment. The meeting represented not only a diplomatic breakthrough but also a powerful gesture of goodwill. The Kingdom’s ability to bring the two parties together — one a longtime global superpower and the other a nation emerging from the ashes of war — speaks to its diplomatic prowess, commitment to regional stability and role as a builder of peace. The message was clear: the new Syria is open to reconciliation and Saudi Arabia is the bridge facilitating that path forward.

The impact on the Syrian people was immediate and profound. In cities across the country, thousands took to the streets in celebration. From Damascus to Aleppo, the air was filled with cries of relief, chants of gratitude and a renewed sense of national pride. What was especially moving was the sight of some Syrians waving not only their own national flag but also that of Saudi Arabia — gesturing in public and emotional ways about the role of the Kingdom in bringing about this historic shift.

Iman, a schoolteacher from Damascus, stood in the crowd with tears in her eyes. “Thank God for Saudi Arabia,” she said. “These sanctions would have stayed for much longer if it weren’t for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. May God protect him.” Her sentiment was echoed by many others on the ground, who viewed the crown prince not as a distant political figure but as a benevolent force who had reached across borders to help wounded people. The Syrian pound, which had been in freefall for more than a decade, saw an immediate and significant gain in value against the dollar, signaling a surge in both economic and psychological confidence.

For more than a decade, the sanctions imposed by the US and other Western powers served as a stranglehold on the Syrian economy. They limited access to international banking systems, barred reconstruction funds and stifled trade. Humanitarian aid was severely restricted.

The lifting of these sanctions marks the beginning of a new economic and political era for Syria. Freed from the financial shackles that have bound them for so long, Syrians can now begin to rebuild with the support of the international community. Foreign investment, which had all but vanished, can now return. International development agencies and financial institutions, previously unable to engage, are now preparing aid and recovery packages.

For a population that has been on the brink of survival for years, this change is more than political — it is existential

Dr. Majid Rafizadeh

Most importantly, the humanitarian corridor has been widened. Aid organizations can now move more freely and effectively to deliver food, clean water, medical care and resources for rebuilding. For a population that has been on the brink of survival for years, this change is more than political — it is existential. It opens the door to normalcy, to growth and to the rebuilding of a once-great civilization.

Saudi Arabia has not limited its efforts to the diplomatic arena. On the humanitarian front, its contributions have been nothing short of lifesaving. The Kingdom this year launched a massive humanitarian airlift to Syria through aid agency KSrelief, sending medical supplies, food packages and emergency relief kits. In addition, KSrelief in February initiated the “Amal” volunteer program — deploying specialized medical personnel, including surgeons, pediatricians and trauma therapists, to Syrian hospitals in dire need of expertise.

Financially, Saudi Arabia’s commitment has gone even further. The Kingdom, together with Qatar, has repaid Syria’s outstanding $15 million debt to the World Bank. This payment removes a critical barrier to Syria’s access to international financing and makes it eligible for new grants and loans vital for infrastructure development, education and health services. This debt relief is a tangible gesture of brotherhood and strategic foresight. It is not merely about clearing an account — it is about clearing a path. By ensuring Syria can reenter global economic systems, Saudi Arabia is helping lay the foundations for its long-term recovery and growth.

At the heart of these developments is the crown prince. He has demonstrated through his actions in Syria that he is motivated by a broader vision: one of Arab solidarity, regional peace and humanitarian leadership. His ability to combine strategic diplomacy with humanitarian generosity reflects a new model for regional leadership — one that prioritizes reconciliation over conflict and unity over sectarianism. His efforts in Syria exemplify this approach, serving not only to help a war-torn nation heal, but also to usher in a more peaceful and cooperative Middle East.

By acting as a mediator, a peacemaker and a provider, Saudi Arabia is asserting itself as a force for stability in a region too often defined by division. The Kingdom’s efforts have illuminated a path forward for Syria and perhaps for the entire region. It is a reminder that, in times of despair, leadership rooted in compassion and vision can redefine what is possible.

• Majid Rafizadeh is a Harvard-educated Iranian American political scientist. X: @Dr_Rafizadeh