#TrumpTariffs
The Trump administration's recent national security and counterterrorism initiatives reflect a robust and multifaceted approach, characterized by high-profile arrests, strategic diplomatic shifts, and expanded immigration controls. Below are the key developments:
### 🔴 1. **Arrest of ISIS-K Attack Planner**
- Mohammad Sharifullah ("Jafar") was arrested on March 2, 2025, for orchestrating the August 2021 Abbey Gate suicide bombing in Kabul, which killed 13 U.S. troops and 160 civilians. He admitted to scouting attack routes and facilitating other ISIS-K operations, including the 2016 Canadian embassy bombing in Kabul and the 2024 Crocus City Hall attack in Moscow. Charged under 18 U.S.C. § 2339B, he faces life imprisonment if convicted .
### 🇸🇾 2. **Syria Policy Overhaul**
- **Sanctions Lifted**: On June 30, 2025, Trump signed an executive order removing sanctions on 518 Syrian entities to support reconstruction post-Assad's overthrow. Restrictions remain on Assad loyalists, ISIS, and Iranian proxies .
- **Terrorism Designation Revoked**: The U.S. revoked the Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) label for Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) on July 7, 2025. HTS, formerly linked to al-Qaeda, is now integrated into Syria's military under President Ahmed al-Sharaa. This aims to normalize relations with Syria's new government .
### 🛂 3. **Expanded Travel Restrictions**
- A June 2025 proclamation suspended entry for nationals from **12 countries** (e.g., Afghanistan, Iran, Somalia) due to deficient vetting, high visa overstay rates (e.g., Chad's 55.6% student visa overstay), or non-cooperation on deportations. Partial restrictions apply to **7 additional countries**, including Venezuela and Cuba .
### ⚔️ 4. **Counterterrorism Tactics Echoing Bush Era**
- **Guantanamo Use**: Suspected terrorists are detained at Guantanamo Bay, bypassing standard due process .
- **Preemptive Strikes**: Military actions against Iranian nuclear facilities and Yemeni proxies mirror post-9/11 policies, justified as preemptive.