Dhaka, May 24 -- On Friday, the Trump administration initiated major exemptions to longstanding U.S. sanctions on Syria, marking a significant step toward President Trump's commitment to end decades of punitive measures against a nation devastated by 13 years of civil war.

Though sweeping, these exemptions are temporary and could be reversed. Syrians argue that only permanent relief can attract the tens of billions in investment needed to rebuild a country torn apart by war, displacement, and foreign militias.

The State Department issued a six-month waiver on harsh sanctions introduced by Congress in 2019, while the Treasury Department paused enforcement on penalties targeting those doing business with various Syrian entities, including...