In a landmark decision, the United Nations Security Council voted on Thursday to lift sanctions imposed on Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and key members of his government. This move comes just days before al-Sharaa’s scheduled visit to the White House, marking the first time a Syrian president will visit Washington since Syria’s independence in 1946. The U.S.-backed resolution, which removes sanctions linked to al-Sharaa and Syria’s Interior Minister Anas Hasan Khattab due to their former ties to al-Qaida, was passed with 14 votes in favor and China abstaining. U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Mike Waltz hailed the decision as a recognition of Syria’s transition into a new era following the ousting of longtime autocrat Bashar Assad in December 2024. Syria’s foreign ministry welcomed the vote, calling it a diplomatic victory that underscores international confidence in al-Sharaa’s leadership. However, China expressed skepticism, with Ambassador Fu Cong criticizing the U.S. for pushing the resolution without addressing all parties’ counterterrorism concerns. The visit is expected to solidify Syria’s participation in the U.S.-led anti-Islamic State coalition, a key component of President Donald Trump’s strategy to rebuild relations with Syria after decades of conflict. While the U.N. sanctions have been lifted, stringent U.S. sanctions under the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act remain in place, requiring congressional action for removal. Bipartisan support in the Senate signals potential progress toward Syria’s economic reconstruction, which is crucial after a devastating civil war that claimed nearly half a million lives and displaced millions.