The European Union recently reached a preliminary agreement to ease economic sanctions on Syria. This latest ruling follows the removal of sultanate head Bashar al-Assad in December. The sanctions, which were imposed during al-Assad’s despotic rule, were a response to his regime’s actions that stirred ethnic tensions and led to deadly attacks against minority groups, notably the Alawite community.
Consequences of Bashar al-Assad’s ruthless leadership, civil unrest and violent conflict became the hallmarks of the country for years. The focus on his government was met with broad condemnation. It came under criticism for introducing cruel and repressive measures, while letting widespread human rights abuses take place. In response to these provocative actions, the West imposed sanctions designed to punish and control the regime.
The EU’s potential easing of these sanctions is contingent upon Syria’s new leadership demonstrating a commitment to democracy and respecting the rights of all citizens, including vulnerable minority groups. The bloc recently made the decision to pursue new sanctions on individuals. These moves will be aimed at anyone who incites violence against ethnic communities or undermine national unity.
Advocates are on guard, as officials have threatened, if the new leaders don’t stick to their commitments, to reintroduce the cuts. This requirement is a callback to the original context of al-Assad’s regime and its ominous history.
“The EU recognises the authority which is operating now in Syria, and that there need to be more financial transactions to pave the way for the creation of financial stability and improve the living standards of the people in Syria,” stated Hashem Ahelbarra from Al Jazeera. This recognition, though long overdue, points to a broader international understanding that Syria has completely changed since the ouster of al-Assad.
The new leadership in Syria has actively urged Western nations to reconsider the existing restrictions, emphasizing the need for economic support to rebuild the war-torn nation. They contend that would be enormously helpful to the efforts to combat the unfolding humanitarian crises. These crises have been caused by decades of war and bad governance.
