UK Lifts Sanctions on Syrian Defense, Interior Ministries

story

Above: Ahmed al-Sharaa (C) leaves after meeting with Qatar's Minister of Foreign Affairs in Antalya, on April 11, 2025. Image copyright: Ozan Kose/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images

story last updated

The Spin

Pro-government narrative

Lifting sanctions is crucial for preventing further instability in Syria and the broader Middle East region, as economic recovery is essential for maintaining peace and preventing another civil war. Syria's new government needs support to keep basic state functions operational.

GOV.UK The New York Times

Opposition narrative

The new Syrian government's extremist origins and ongoing human rights concerns — including recent massacres of Alawite civilians, repression of women, and forced disappearances — raise serious questions about the wisdom of lifting sanctions before seeing meaningful reforms and accountability.

Thecradle.Co Human Rights Watch