US issues demands to new Syrian government in exchange for sanctions relief
Al JazeeraMAR 12
UK Lifts Sanctions on Syrian Defense, Interior Ministries
Above: Ahmed al-Sharaa (C) leaves after meeting with Qatar's Minister of Foreign Affairs in Antalya, on April 11, 2025. Image copyright: Ozan Kose/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-government narrative
Lifting sanctions is crucial for preventing further instability in Syria and the broader Middle East region, as economic recovery is essential for maintaining peace and preventing another civil war. Syria's new government needs support to keep basic state functions operational.
Opposition narrative
The new Syrian government's extremist origins and ongoing human rights concerns — including recent massacres of Alawite civilians, repression of women, and forced disappearances — raise serious questions about the wisdom of lifting sanctions before seeing meaningful reforms and accountability.