Since President Donald Trump announced his intent to end a half-century of U.S. sanctions on Syria, a debate has developed in his administration over how quickly and thoroughly that should happen.At risk could be the future of a transitional government run by those who drove Syrian leader Bashar Assad from power late last year and hopes that it can stabilize the country after a devastating 13-year civil war that has left millions dead or displaced,

Saudi Press Agency/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States on Friday took the first steps toward lifting sanctions on Syria after President Donald Trump said his administration would unwind them.

The US has taken a major step toward easing severe sanctions on Syria imposed during the Assad dictatorship, which was overthrown by rebels last December after a nearly 14-year civil war.