While the intent of sanction against Syria, namely the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019, was to hold the Assad regime accountable for human rights abuses, the regime has now collapsed and the Syrian people have finally achieved their freedom.

After 14 years of brutal civil war, Syria’s economy is crippled with over 90 percent of the population living in poverty according the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. Access to basic necessities such as food, medicine, and infrastructure are severely hindered. 

Sanctions only exacerbate these dire living conditions and cut the Syrian people off from money they desperately need for reconstruction and economic development. Families and relief organizations cannot send assistance, refugees cannot transfer money from Western bank accounts to invest in a home or business, and international organizations cannot offer aid.

It is clear that American sanctions are now inadvertently harming the very civilians they were intended to protect. By removing these sanctions, the U.S. can demonstrate its commitment to supporting the Syrian people in their journey toward rebuilding their lives and their nation.

Further reading:

• For Syria’s Economy, the Way Forward Starts With Sanctions Relief (New York Times)
• After Assad's ouster in Syria, U.N. envoy calls for end to sanctions (CBS News)
• Keeping sanction in force would "pull the rug out from under Syria" (The Intercept)