Global News Podcast Donald Trump meets Syrian leader
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May 14, 2025 Victoria Gill, the Science correspondent for BBC News, dives into Donald Trump's surprising lift of U.S. sanctions on Syria and his meeting with President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The conversation explores the hopeful potential for normalized relations while addressing ongoing violence in Gaza. In a fascinating twist, Gill also discusses how chimpanzees employ medicinal plants for self-care, highlighting their ability to heal injuries and offering insights into the connection between animal behavior and human medical practices.
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Historic US-Syria Engagement
- Donald Trump's meeting with Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa marks the first US-Syria leader meeting in 25 years.
- Lifting sanctions initiates a potential new diplomatic era and economic revival for Syria.
Sanctions' Impact on Syrians
- Syrian economy collapsed under sanctions that affected ordinary citizens the most.
- Lifting sanctions can improve access to medicines, education, banking, and allow reconstruction efforts.
Syria’s Democratic Reality
- Syria is not yet a true democracy despite claims.
- However, increased freedom of speech and activism fuels hope for democratic progress.