E.U. to Lift Economic Sanctions on Syria
New York TimesMAY 12
EU Lifts Economic Sanctions on Syria
Above: Kaja Kallas speaks to the press at the European Council headquarters on May 20, 2025. Image copyright: Omar Havana/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The EU decision to lift economic sanctions on Syria was taken in light of the transitional government's progress on minority rights and moving towards a fully-fledged democracy. This will help secure a brighter future for all Syrians, one that is politically stable and economically strong. In the meantime, sanctions will remain on arms and military equipment to ensure that these are not used in a repressive capacity.
Establishment-critical narrative
The move by Western powers to ease economic sanctions on Syria appears premature. The transitional government, which has links to extremist organizations such as Al-Qaeda, has yet to prove it is the trustworthy and moderate force it would have the West believe. At the same time, the rising sectarian violence, especially against Alawites and Syrian Christians, should also be a source of concern, but is sadly being overlooked.