US Sets Conditions for Partial Sanctions Relief in Syria: A New Chapter Ahead?
According to Reuters, six American and Syrian sources revealed that the United States has handed Syria a list of conditions aimed at securing partial relief from long-standing sanctions. This development marks a significant shift in U.S. policy toward Damascus, particularly as the country navigates a fragile transition following years of conflict and economic collapse. Consequently, the move signals a willingness to engage with Syria’s interim leadership, albeit with strict stipulations that reflect Washington’s strategic priorities in the region.
Key Conditions for Relief
The conditions outlined by the U.S. are both ambitious and specific, designed to address security and humanitarian concerns. For instance, Syria must destroy any remaining chemical weapons stockpiles, a demand rooted in past allegations of their use during the civil war. Additionally, cooperation on counter-terrorism efforts is required, which likely includes curbing the influence of groups like Hezbollah. Another critical condition prohibits foreign fighters from holding senior government roles, a response to recent appointments of ex-rebels from diverse backgrounds in Syria’s defense ministry. Finally, the U.S. insists on assistance in locating Austin Tice, an American journalist missing in Syria for over a decade, highlighting a humanitarian angle to the negotiations.
Syria’s Economic Desperation
Syria’s economy, ravaged by nearly 14 years of war, desperately needs sanctions relief to begin recovery. The United Nations reports that nine out of ten Syrians live in poverty, a situation worsened by sanctions imposed by the U.S., U.K., and Europe to pressure former leader Bashar al-Assad. Although some sanctions were temporarily eased in January with a six-month license for humanitarian aid, this
has proven insufficient. For example, Qatar’s inability to fund public sector salaries through Syria’s
central bank underscores the limitations of current measures, pushing Damascus to seek broader relief.
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