For decades, Syria has faced international sanctions targeting the Assad regime for its human rights abuses, war crimes, and destabilizing actions in the region. While initially justified, their continuation after the regime’s fall disproportionately harmed ordinary Syrians. The regime that led to these sanctions is no longer in power, yet broad sanctions have exacerbated suffering without holding the real culprits accountable. On June 30th, 2025, President Trump the cessation of sanctions against Syria by Executive Order. However, the new government must still be closely monitored to ensure adherence to democratic principles and human rights obligations, paving the way for a stable future.
The Historical Context of Sanctions
Sanctions against Syria began in 1979 when the U.S. the Assad regime as a state sponsor of terrorism. The added restrictions, citing weapons of mass destruction and interference in Lebanon. After the 2005 assassination of Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, attributed to Assad’s regime, the U.S. and E.U. .
Following the 2011 uprising, targeted Syria’s banking, oil, and foreign investments to weaken the regime’s repression capabilities. The American further tightened restrictions, penalizing entities engaging with the Syrian government due to systemic torture and mass killings. have focused on the regime’s captagon trade, a key revenue source.
The Devastating Impact on Syrian Society
Sanctions have exacerbated Syria’s humanitarian crisis. One in four Syrians and two thirds live below the lower middle-income poverty line. Power cuts and medical facilities face , while economic stagnation fuels unemployment. Meanwhile, Assad and his associates , which raised questions about the fairness and effectiveness of sanctions.
The social fabric of Syria has also suffered profoundly. Families have been forced to separate, as many seek refuge abroad, leading to one of the largest displacement crises in modern history. The lack of economic opportunities has driven some into illicit activities, while others; particularly the youth face a bleak future with limited prospects for employment or education. Crime rates have risen in response to widespread desperation, while social unrest and instability persist as long as economic hardships remain unaddressed.
Syria’s Geopolitical Position
Sanctions risked pushing Syria into deeper alliances with non-Western actors, such as Russia, and the lifting of sanctions has opened the door to relations with the West. However, challenges remain, and economic difficulties in the country leave narcotics trafficking as an , which risks further destabilizing the region. The lifting of sanctions is a positive and welcome first step, but structured economic engagement must foster stability, support reconstruction, and promote gradual democratization, offering a more sustainable and constructive way forward.
Conclusion
The fall of the Assad regime made comprehensive sanctions on Syria unjustifiable, as they primarily harmed civilians. Every additional day under sanctions meant more people dying and suffering from poverty, hunger, and lack of basic needs. The recent lifting of sanctions is a first step, but U.S. policymakers and intellectuals must recognize their moral responsibility and lead the push for normalization and support in the aftermath of the lifting of these sanctions. For instance, while the Trump administration lifted sanctions, the administration’s halting of USAID programmes has deprived Syria of a of medical support. Meanwhile, Canada, with its influential diplomacy and the Syrian-Canadian community acting as a bridge for cooperation, can play a prominent role in advocating for this shift, promoting reconstruction, and encouraging investment in Syria. The time to act is now; ending this humanitarian crisis is a global moral imperative.
Sarwat Dalal Bashi is a specialist in public administration and governance, with extensive experience in international development. He is currently the Head of Governance and Internal Audit at Dr. Scent in the United Arab Emirates.
Previously, Sarwat served as a Consultant at TRIAL International, focusing on international criminal laws. In 2016, he was an O’Brien Fellow at the Â鶹´«Ã½ÍøÕ¾ Centre for Human Rights and Legal Pluralism. Earlier, he worked with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Turkey, managing programs that supported refugees and internally displaced persons.
As a United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) Fellow in 2015, he conducted research and engaged with leaders from the United Nations, European Union, and United States across Germany, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Belgium, and the U.S., exploring issues related to migration, integration, and interfaith dialogue. His work aimed at supporting the development of inclusive public policies that improve the integration of vulnerable communities.
Sarwat also served as a Research Advisor at Human Rights Watch in Syria and practiced law there for eight years. He holds a Graduate Diploma in Public Administration and Governance (PAG) from Â鶹´«Ã½ÍøÕ¾ and a Bachelor of Law (LLB) from Aleppo University.