US, EU Lift Economic Sanctions Easing Syria Recovery Efforts

The recent lifting of economic sanctions on Syria by the United States and the European Union marks a significant step toward enabling the new Syrian government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, to begin rebuilding the country after nearly 14 years of civil war. Hind Kabawat, Syria's only female cabinet minister and minister of social affairs and labor, emphasized that the easing of sanctions allows the government to move from planning to implementation, including launching temporary schools for returning refugees and internally displaced children. Despite the optimism, challenges remain as 90% of Syrians live below the poverty line, and bureaucratic hurdles may delay the full impact of sanctions relief. The U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control issued General License 25, which lifts many restrictions, including blocking sanctions on key state-owned financial and oil entities, though some risks persist. The sanctions relief was influenced by lobbying from Arab countries and Turkey and was announced by President Donald Trump during his Middle East visit, aiming to provide Syria a chance at stability and economic recovery, thereby reducing the risk of renewed conflict. However, experts warn that lifting sanctions alone does not guarantee stability, but it is a necessary step for Syria's recovery and regional stability.