France claims EU may lift Syria sanctions soon, sparking debate

On January 6, 2025, the United States provided a significant sanctions exemption to Syria, allowing transactions with its governing institutions for a period of six months. This decision follows years of civil war that devastated the country and left it struggling with severe power shortages and a lack of resources. The exemption aims to increase the flow of humanitarian aid into Syria amidst a transition in leadership after the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad, which occurred in December 2024. The new government, led by Ahmed Al-Charaa of Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham, is seeking to stabilize the nation, address critical energy needs, and reconstruct its economy. In conjunction with this exemption, Turkey and Qatar have initiated support by sending electricity-generating ships, providing a total of 800 megawatts of power. The interim government previously only managed to deliver two to three hours of electricity daily, impacting the well-being of the population. International entities have recognized that external sanctions hinder progress in humanitarian relief efforts, and European leaders are contemplating a review of current sanctions. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has proposed a moratorium on EU sanctions for six months to one year, suggesting that the political landscape in Syria is changing. The UN special envoy on Syria, Geir Pedersen, emphasized the necessity of more impactful actions regarding the sanctions imposed on Syria. While the US exemption is viewed as a positive step, it is crucial to address the broader implications of existing sanctions on both the economy and the humanitarian situation in the country. Additional complexities arise due to sanctions on the new leadership due to its affiliations with extremist groups like Al-Qaeda. Such measures could further delay stabilizing efforts and complicate international relations. In this context, the new Syrian leaders are urged to demonstrate their ability to provide for the rights of minorities and establish a stable governance structure that meets international expectations. The timing of international support and engagement is critical for the new government to secure legitimacy within Syria and beyond, thus paving the way for sustainable recovery in the following months ahead.