Germany says sanctions against Syrian war crimes suspects must stay but people need relief
Associated PressJAN 5
EU Weighs Syria Sanctions Relief After Assad's Fall
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Above: EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas attends a Middle East-European summit on Syria in Riyadh on January 12, 2025. Image copyright: Fayez Nureldine/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
The Syrian people have suffered enough. Europe must lift sanctions as soon as possible as sanctions relief is crucial for Syria's recovery and reconstruction efforts. Continuing restrictions will severely hinder the Syrian people's aspirations for development. Western nations must help provide essential goods and services, including energy and sanitation.
Narrative B
Sanctions must be lifted gradually and conditionally, requiring the new Syrian administration to demonstrate its commitment to an inclusive political transition that protects minorities and prevents radicalization before any significant relief can be granted.
Metaculus Prediction
There is a 45% chance three mainstream American news outlets will report that a rebel group perpetrated the 2013 Ghouta Chemical Attack before August 21, 2033, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
