EU suspends select Syria sanctions to encourage democratic development
Al JazeeraFEB 13
EU Lifts Key Syria Sanctions
Above: People participate in a protest against international sanctions following the fall of the Assad regime on Syria on Jan. 25, 2025, in Aleppo, Syria. Image copyright: Spencer Platt/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The suspension of sanctions represents a strategic opportunity to support Syria's economic recovery and inclusive political transition, while maintaining leverage through reversible measures if the new leadership fails to implement promised reforms.
Establishment-critical narrative
History has shown that the fall of one dictatorship often leads to chaos, with new regimes replicating or even worsening the old regime's abuses. While the fall of Assad is seen as a victory, the rise of HTS raises concerns. Before lifting sanctions, HTS must demonstrate that it is fundamentally different from the Assad regime.