Biden Administration Plans to Lift Sanctions on Syria for One Year

Biden Administration Plans to Lift Sanctions on Syria for One Year
December 25, 2024, 2:34 pm

إدارة بايدن تعتزم رفع العقوبات عن سوريا لمدة عام

Media outlets reported that the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden intends to lift the sanctions imposed on Syria for one year before the inauguration of President-elect Trump on January 20, according to what the Qatari channel "Al-Araby Al-Jadeed" reported today (Wednesday).

This move is expected to include U.S. sanctions imposed on Bashar al-Assad's regime, including the "Caesar" sanctions, which have been extended under the U.S. National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025, which Biden is expected to sign in the coming days.

The current administration seeks to approve the lifting of sanctions as part of a "trial period" to assess the performance of the new government, "Hayat Tahrir al-Sham," which also contributes to the international political landscape in Syria.

The United States also plans to link the lifting of sanctions to clear conditions, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken stating that the political transition in Syria must include respect for the rights of the Syrian people. Matthew Levitt, a fellow at the Washington Institute, pointed out in an article published in the "Los Angeles Times" the need to ensure the protection of minorities, facilitate humanitarian assistance for all in need, prevent Syria from being used as a base for terrorism, and ensure it does not pose a threat to its neighbors.

It is worth noting that the sanctions imposed on Syria over the past years have had a significant impact on the economy, as they included restrictions on vital sectors such as aviation, shipping, technology, and banking, resulting in resource shortages and exacerbating the social and economic crises in the country.

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