On February 24, the EU suspended sanctions on several sectors in Syria, aiming to support recovery amidst ongoing uncertainties about an inclusive government. Experts stress that lifting sanctions is crucial for political and economic stability. The interim government faces significant challenges in fosterinclusive governance while avoiding extremist influences. Concerns remain that continued sanctions will hinder reconstruction efforts and affect daily lives in Syria.
Ahead of the Syrian national dialogue scheduled for February 25, the European Union (EU) made a significant move by suspending certain sanctions against the former Bashar Assad regime. This initiative aims to support Syria’s recovery, although the complete lifting of sanctions remains uncertain as there is skepticism among Western leaders regarding the establishment of an inclusive administration capable of implementing essential reforms.
On February 24, the EU announced the suspension of restrictions affecting critical sectors, including oil, gas, electricity, and transportation. Furthermore, the ban on banking ties for humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts was eased, allowing five financial institutions to access funds from Syria’s central bank. This decision coincided with the convening of Syria’s interim government to initiate its national dialogue.
President Ahmad Al-Sharaa, appointed to lead the interim government, vowed to form an inclusive transitional administration. Despite criticisms of rushed preparations, the national dialogue attracted about 600 delegates and is viewed as a crucial opportunity for drafting a new constitution and planning economic reform. However, experts advocate for lifting sanctions, particularly U.S. restrictions, as a prerequisite for recovery.
Nanar Hawach from the International Crisis Group emphasized that lifting sanctions is essential for fostering a stable political transition. Ibrahim Al-Assil of the Middle East Institute echoed this sentiment, asserting that rebuilding Syria’s middle class is vital for effective political change, which is hindered by current economic devastation. Furthermore, the prolonged sanctions have severely impacted Syria’s economy and societal functionality, intensifying the need for increased support.
Human Rights Watch highlighted that Western sanctions adversely affect reconstruction efforts and worsen living conditions for millions of Syrians. Concerns were raised that ongoing sanctions limit access to fundamental rights, including adequate electricity and food. Karam Shaar from the New Lines Institute stated that without either lifting sanctions or establishing financial support, the humanitarian situation could rapidly deteriorate.
Ongoing U.S. sanctions have led to delays in promised funds from Qatar, aimed at supporting Syria’s public sector. The EU stressed that any continuation of sanctions relief would depend on the interim government’s reforms. EU diplomat Kaja Kallas remarked that any government must be inclusive, and failure to adhere to this could see sanctions resumed.
On March 2, Al-Sharaa announced the formation of a seven-member committee to draft a temporary constitution. Political analysts note that the interim government faces significant challenges in balancing the expectations of various factions while responding to international demands for inclusive governance. However, critics suggest that the government’s proposed actions thus far have been largely symbolic.
Delays in finalizing the government’s formation may further postpone decisions regarding sanctions relief. Aid agencies caution that prolonged sanctions will hinder economic recovery during this critical transitional phase. Kenneth Roth, former executive director of Human Rights Watch, urged Western governments to actively lift sanctions, highlighting their contribution to significant impediments to economic progress.
While certain sanctions have been eased for humanitarian aid, the remaining sanctions nonetheless obstruct economic recovery. The restrictions, which have persisted for over four decades, largely intensified following the Assad regime’s repressive measures against protests in 2011. The status quo remains hampered by ongoing sanctions, despite the regime’s collapse on December 8.
The U.S. Treasury had recently introduced General License No. 24, allowing some transactions with Syria’s transitional government, but it is inadequate to re-establish the country’s banking sector on a global scale. Analysts point to the need for substantial easing of sanctions to reintegrate Syria into international financial systems. However, skepticism persists regarding the likelihood of significant changes in the near future.
Historically, sanctions have proven difficult to retract, as evidenced by the enduring restrictions imposed on Iraq following its invasion of Kuwait. Western officials are cautious in linking sanctions relief to the performance of Syria’s interim government, wanting to encourage inclusive governance while remaining aware of the potential repercussions of sectarian violence.
The new leadership, emerging from a challenging climate, faces the monumental task of navigating competing interests and addressing the needs of marginalized groups. Al-Sharaa’s governance will depend heavily on his capacity to meet economic expectations while resisting extremist pressures. The continuity of sanctions could undermine any progressive governance shifts and worsen humanitarian conditions across Syria.
Both Aljazaeri and Hawach emphasize the urgency of easing sanctions to facilitate recovery and improve the living conditions of the Syrian populace. Analysts agree that although easing sanctions is critical, it cannot single-handedly resolve the complex challenges faced by Syria’s society and economy.
In conclusion, the EU’s partial suspension of sanctions against Syria represents a cautious but positive step towards facilitating recovery in a nation grappling with the aftermath of civil conflict. However, the successful implementation of reforms and true reconstruction depends on lifting all sanctions. The international community must balance the need for accountability with humanitarian imperatives, allowing the new administration the necessary support to rebuild a fractured society and establish lasting peace.
Original Source: www.arabnews.pk
