Why Did the United States Lift Sanctions on Assad’s Chemical Weapons Scientists?

In a move to normalize relations with Syria, the Trump administration quietly lifted sanctions on 266 scientists and engineers from the heart of the Assad regime's former chemical weapons program. These individuals were originally sanctioned in 2017 for their direct involvement in developing the sarin gas used in deadly attacks against civilians. This unexplained reversal undermines accountability for war crimes and creates a dangerous proliferation risk, as these experts could now share their knowledge with other states or groups. The decision is especially puzzling because key allies, including the European Union and the United Kingdom, continue to sanction many of these same individuals.