UK eases sanctions on Syria, signaling a shift in foreign relations

On Thursday, April 24, the United Kingdom took a pivotal step in its foreign policy by lifting sanctions on several key Syrian government agencies. This decision marks a significant move toward normalizing relations with Syria's newly established leadership under President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

The UK government has removed asset freezes on Syria's Ministries of Defense and Interior, as well as its main intelligence bodies, including the General Intelligence Directorate and the Air Force Intelligence Agency. These entities were previously sanctioned for their roles in suppressing civilian populations and supporting the regime of former President Bashar al-Assad.

This policy change follows the ousting of Assad by opposition groups, notably Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an armed faction still classified as a “terrorist organization” by both the UK and the United States. In the wake of this transition, the new Syrian government is striving to revitalize the nation’s economy and mend international relationships. It has called on countries to reconsider sanctions imposed on Syria, arguing that such measures were directed at the prior regime and should not apply to the current leadership.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer's office articulated that this decision aims to support Syria’s economic recovery, facilitate the return of Syrian refugees, and foster regional stability. Notably, the UK had previously lifted sanctions on Syria’s central bank and oil companies in March.

Despite the easing of certain sanctions, restrictions remain on individuals linked to the Assad regime, in an effort to hold those accountable for their actions during the Syrian Civil War that began in 2011. Furthermore, exports of specific goods and technologies will continue to be restricted, including military equipment, advanced communication tools, and dual-use technology that can serve both civilian and military purposes.

In a related development, Abdallah al-Dardari, the regional chief for Arab States at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), recently urged Syrian authorities to initiate the economic recovery process independently of Western countries' actions regarding sanctions. He emphasized that “waiting for sanctions to be lifted leads nowhere,” highlighting the urgency of addressing Syria's pressing economic challenges.