In early December 2024, following the fall of Bashar al-Assad, the international community started easing sanctions on Syria to improve the humanitarian situation and revive the economy. The US, UK, and Europe lifted $15 billion worth of restrictions on assets and trade by May. Regional powers like Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Qatar pledged support through financing public salaries, energy infrastructure, and obligations to international financial institutions.
Efforts to reintegrate Syria were complicated by the fact that Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the group leading the offensive against Assad, was labeled a terrorist organization by the UN since 2014. HTS leader Mohammed Al-Jolani, now Syrian head of government Ahmed al-Sharaa, faced sanctions but became a civilian leader.
The UN Security Council’s decision was complemented by unilateral measures from member states. The US revoked HTS’s terrorist status in July, followed by the UK in October. Syria’s president met with Russia’s Vladimir Putin and planned to meet US President Donald Trump.
A US-sponsored resolution welcomed Syria’s commitment to humanitarian access, counterterrorism, and human rights, with 14 Council members in favor and China abstaining.
US Ambassador Mike Waltz called it a “strong political signal,” recognizing Syria’s new era and commitment to combating terrorism, narcotics, and promoting regional stability.
Chinese Ambassador Fu Cong explained China’s abstention, citing the US’s failure to consider all members’ views, while the UK’s James Kariuki welcomed Syria’s progress on political transition and counterterrorism.
Russia’s Vassily Nebenzia emphasized Syria’s economic recovery and highlighted issues like the Golan Heights occupation and terrorism threats hindering stability. French Ambassador Jérôme Bonnafont emphasized the ongoing fight against ISIL and the importance of reconstructing a peaceful Syria.
Syrian Ambassador Ibrahim Abdulmalik Olabi viewed the Council’s decision as a “badge of honor” and a sign of confidence in the new Syria, affirming the country’s sovereignty and ambition to be a modern state bridging East and West.
Leave a Reply