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Biden Eases Humanitarian Aid Restrictions to Syria Without Lifting Sanctions
The Wall Street Journal reported that the Biden administration is preparing to announce on Monday the easing of restrictions on humanitarian aid to Syria, as a step aimed at accelerating the transfer of essential supplies without lifting sanctions that hinder other aid directed to the new government in Damascus.
The newspaper stated that this decision reflects "the White House's concern about the possibility of lifting comprehensive sanctions imposed on Syria, until the direction taken by the new leadership, which includes a group classified by the United States as a terrorist organization, becomes clear."
According to the newspaper, based on statements from officials, the limited step adopted by the administration over the weekend will allow the Treasury Department to issue exemptions for humanitarian groups and companies providing essential services, such as water, electricity, and medical supplies.
Officials clarified that this exemption, which was initially available for six months, will enable aid suppliers to avoid the need to obtain a license for each individual case; however, it will come with conditions to ensure that Syria does not misuse the supplies.
The newspaper noted that the United States remains cautious about lifting the sanctions barrier imposed on the Syrian regime, in an effort to secure guarantees that Damascus will not backtrack on its commitments to protect the rights of women and religious and ethnic minorities in the country.
In a statement last December, following the flight of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad from the country, Biden pointed out that "some of the rebel groups that toppled Assad have a troubling history of terrorism and human rights violations." He added, "They may say what is right today, but when they take on more responsibility, we will not only evaluate their words but also their actions."
The newspaper indicates that with the Biden administration nearing its end, decisions regarding sanctions and whether to recognize the new Syrian government may fall to the elected President Donald Trump.
Moreover, mid-level U.S. officials have met with Syrian leadership, as French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock visited Damascus last Friday.
After her meeting with Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mikdad, Baerbock emphasized the need to involve women and Kurds in the country’s transition process, warning against the use of European funds to "build new Islamic structures."
The German official also stated that it is too early for European countries to lift sanctions on Syria, but added: "Recent weeks have shown how much hope exists here in Syria that the future will be in favor of freedom."
Both the United States and its allies in Europe and the Middle East agree that Syria urgently needs more aid, including funds necessary for the reconstruction of the country's destroyed infrastructure.
The European Union is also discussing steps that can be taken to facilitate the flow of aid to Syria, which is currently hindered by sanctions.
