Syria has authorized its banks to work with Visa and Mastercard, marking a significant step in its efforts to rejoin the global economy. This move allows Syrian citizens and businesses to utilize credit card payments, facilitating international transactions. Simultaneously, the European Union has agreed to restore fuller trade ties with Damascus, further indicating a shift towards economic normalization. However, Syria continues to seek removal from the US ‘state sponsors of terrorism’ list, a designation that has imposed significant economic sanctions and restrictions. The authorization of credit card payments is seen as a key step towards integrating Syria back into the global financial system and attracting foreign investment.