Rayburn Named US State Department Official for Near East and Syria File
American policy toward Syria is witnessing a gradual shift, as Washington shows willingness to review sanctions imposed on the previous regime while monitoring the performance of the new government
April 1, 2025, 10:32 pm

Rayburn Named US State Department Official for Near East and Syria File

جويل رايبورن \ متداولة

The US State Department stated in exclusive remarks to Syria TV that Joel Rayburn has been appointed as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, with the Syria file among his responsibilities. This appointment comes as part of the American administration's reordering of its priorities in the region following recent political changes.

The State Department explained that the United States has specific priorities, and that ultimately it is the Syrian people who will evaluate the new government. This view reflects Washington's desire to give Syrians space to determine their destiny while preserving its strategic interests.

It revealed that sanctions imposed on Syria are currently under review, noting that "all sanctions were imposed on the previous regime and must be reviewed." This position indicates a potential change in US policy toward Syria in response to new developments on the ground.

The State Department mentioned that it views the new government as a technocrat government and is reviewing sanctions imposed on the previous regime. This relatively positive characterization opens the door to the possibility of easing sanctions if the Syrian government continues its current approach.

It emphasized its rejection of foreign interventions in Syria, expressing its desire for "the new authorities to control all Syrian territories." This vision expresses principled support for the unity of Syrian territories and the sovereignty of its central government.

The department confirmed that it wants the new government to "exclude foreign fighters as well as prevent any Iranian influence," which represents a continuation of the American policy aimed at limiting Iranian influence in the region.

It indicated "daily discussions in the American administration regarding the Syrian file, with the decision in the hands of President Trump." This intensive follow-up shows the importance of the Syrian file to the current US administration.

The department noted that "no decision has been made yet regarding the withdrawal of American forces from Syria," reflecting the continuation of American anticipation and linking any potential withdrawal to the extent of developments on the ground and politically.

In response to Israeli violations, the State Department said: "We have no hand in what is happening in Syria," raising questions about the extent of coordination between Washington and Tel Aviv regarding military operations in Syria.

It considered that "it is too early for a comprehensive assessment of Iran's non-interference in Syria," indicating American caution regarding claims of declining Iranian influence in Syria. It concluded by expressing hope "for Syria to have good relations with neighboring countries," reflecting an American desire for regional stability that serves its long-term interests in the region.

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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.