Syria hails US lifting of Assad-era sanctions

Syria on Saturday hailed the Trump administration’s lifting of US sanctions, as Washington looks to open a new chapter in its relations with Damascus.

US President Donald Trump surprised many with his announcement of the new policy on a Gulf tour earlier this month, during which he shook hands with Syria’s jihadist-turned-interim President Ahmed al-Shara.

Trump said he wanted to give the war-torn country’s new rulers “a chance at greatness” after their overthrow of longtime ruler Bashar…