Syria has taken a significant step toward freeing itself from international restrictions that have crippled its economy and digital infrastructure for decades, with a process initiated by the US administration. Syria's Minister of Communications and Technology, Abdussalam Heykel, announced that the US beginning the process to remove the country from the 'state sponsors of terrorism' list will, for the first time in 47 years, free Syria from these technical restrictions. In a statement on X, Heykel said, 'The need to use VPNs for global programs will soon be a thing of the past.'
Digital isolation comes to an end
Telecommunications expert Hani al-Khalaf described this development as a turning point for Syria. Al-Khalaf assessed the step as 'the beginning of the official end of digital isolation.' The expert noted that the sanctions were not limited to blocking certain websites, but also prevented access to basic services such as downloads from app stores and operating system updates. He stressed that this situation has made millions of Syrians dependent on VPN applications.
Cloud computing and economic opportunities
With the lifting of restrictions, Syrian companies, engineers and students will be able to directly access the cloud computing services of major global companies. Al-Khalaf pointed out that cloud services are the basic infrastructure for software development, artificial intelligence and digital transformation. He also stated that the cybersecurity risks caused by unreliable free VPNs will decrease with this process.
Obstacle to economic recovery is removed
Syrian American Council official Zaid Alloush had previously stated that Syria's presence on the terror list was one of the biggest obstacles to economic recovery. Alloush had noted that this situation also negatively affected the banking, trade, import-export, aviation, energy and telecommunications sectors.
Historic step from the US
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, returning from the NATO summit in Ankara, conveyed that US President Trump had notified Congress of the decision to remove Syria from the state sponsors of terrorism list. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also described the step as 'historic,' saying it would open the door to new economic opportunities for the Syrian people. Congress will conduct a 45-day review process to finalize the decision.
