RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — On Sunday, Germany’s foreign minister emphasized the need to maintain sanctions against Syrian officials accountable for war crimes while advocating for a “smart approach” to aid the Syrian populace following the recent departure of President Bashar Assad. Annalena Baerbock made her remarks after arriving in the country for a conference focused on Syria’s future, attended by prominent diplomats from Europe and the Middle East.
Germany has been among several nations that enacted sanctions against the Assad regime in response to its violent suppression of dissent. These sanctions could potentially impede Syria’s recovery from a devastating civil war that has lasted nearly 14 years, resulting in an estimated 500,000 deaths and the displacement of half of the prewar population of 23 million.
“It is essential that sanctions against those close to Assad, who have committed grave offenses during the civil strife, remain in effect,” Baerbock stated. “However, Germany is suggesting a strategic method to handle sanctions that would facilitate immediate relief for the Syrian population. The people of Syria need to experience the benefits of the power transition without delay.”
Baerbock also unveiled an additional aid package of 50 million euros (approximately $51.2 million) directed towards food supplies, emergency shelters, and medical assistance, emphasizing the ongoing hardships faced by millions of displaced Syrians.
The United States, several European nations, and select Arab states initiated sanctions following the Assad government’s violent response to the 2011 uprising and have tightened these measures as the situation devolved into war. These penalties not only target high-ranking officials within the government, but they also impact Syria’s oil sector, international monetary transfers, and hundreds of entities and individuals associated with the regime, severely affecting Syria’s broader economy.
While exemptions exist for humanitarian aid, various relief organizations have reported that excessive caution by financial institutions hampers their ability to operate effectively.
Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, speaking at the conference, noted Turkey’s intent to assist Syria in re-establishing ties with the global community, emphasizing the need for “a balance between international expectations and the actual conditions faced by the new Syrian administration.” Fidan, a supporter of the Syrian opposition against Assad, pledged Turkey’s assistance to the new government, particularly in addressing threats from the Islamic State group, asserting, “As Turkey, we are prepared to contribute to easing the difficult journey ahead for the Syrian populace.”
Additionally, last week, the United States relaxed certain restrictions on Syria. The U.S. Treasury Department issued a general license that permits specific transactions with the Syrian government for six months, including some energy sales and related activities.
The U.S. has also withdrawn a $10 million bounty previously placed on Ahmad al-Sharaa, a Syrian rebel leader formerly called Abu Mohammed al-Golani, whose forces played a crucial role in ousting Assad last month. Al-Sharaa, who had been a senior al-Qaida operative before dissociating from the group, has committed to fostering an inclusive Syria that upholds the rights of religious minorities.
The insurgency led by the rebels culminated in Assad’s removal on December 8, ending a decades-long rule by his family. Many countries cut diplomatic ties with Assad and imposed sanctions on his administration and its allies, Russia and Iran, in light of alleged war crimes and the production of Captagon, an amphetamine-like stimulant that has reportedly generated substantial revenue through smuggling operations across Syria’s borders.
With Assad no longer in power, the new authorities in Syria express hope that the international community will invest in the country to rebuild its damaged infrastructure and restore economic viability.
