Hopeful New Beginnings: Will Lifting Sanctions Transform Syria?
The lifting of Western sanctions on Syria is bringing cautious optimism among Syrians yearning for a better future. Prominent figures highlight the potential for economic recovery and stabilization, as recent announcements signal a shift toward easing restrictions. However, while opportunities are opening, significant challenges remain, including infrastructural issues and a fragile humanitarian context, requiring time and sustained efforts for real progress.
LONDON – The potential lifting of Western sanctions on Syria has ignited a flicker of hope among many Syrians. Marwah Morhly, a Syrian writer now residing in Turkiye, shared her aspirations for a more stable life back in her hometown of Damascus. Under the weight of ongoing sanctions, Morhly once felt returning home was out of reach, but now, with talk of easing restrictions, that dream starts to feel possible again.
Morhly’s remote work in Syria was fraught with difficulties, operating in secrecy and risking her livelihood. “It’s a different kind of freedom — the freedom to dream,” she remarked. The lifting of sanctions could lead to opportunities to receive wages through bank transfers directly in Syria, something she once thought was impossible. Under the current sanctions, freelancers like Morhly had to work in the shadows, operating as if they were invisible to protect their livelihoods.
The announcement on May 13, by US President Donald Trump regarding sanctions relief marked a turning point. This was seen as a moment for possible economic recovery and political stabilization. Following this move, the US Treasury issued a license allowing transactions with the new transitional government led by President Ahmad Al-Sharaa. Soon, the EU joined in lifting its economic sanctions.
In a move signaling support for Syria’s recovery, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud recently announced a collaborative funding effort with Qatar aimed at supporting salary payments for state employees, building on earlier commitments made in May. This shift did not happen by chance; years of advocacy from various Syrian stakeholders contributed significantly to this change, with Ibrahim Al-Assil of the Middle East Institute acknowledging the crucial roles played by both Saudi and Turkish influence, as well as local efforts from the Syrian populace.
Beyond geopolitics, Al-Assil emphasized the very real, down-to-earth implications for everyday Syrians. “Sanctions often impact individuals in tiny details — from medicine to connectivity,” he said, illustrating how they have affected daily life for many. With potential changes to these restrictions, he argued, Syrians might be allowed to breathe easier and start rebuilding their lives and future. Yet, the road ahead is complex, and challenges remain.
For creatives like Salma Saleh, a graphic designer in Damascus, this change could potentially open doors that were previously barred. Saleh has worked for over a decade under restrictions and faced immense challenges accessing both hardware and software necessary for her profession. Remarkably, she remains hopeful that with the lifting of sanctions, her work life will also change.
However, she cautioned about the ongoing realities on the ground, noting the many barriers still in place, like power outages and limitations in technological access. These issues have made freelancing particularly difficult, turning what ought to be essential platforms into inaccessible luxury.
As Syrians across the globe consider the implications of sanctions relief, a mix of cautious optimism and skepticism pervades their perspectives. For example, Lama Beddawi, a Syrian-American DevOps analyst, expressed hope that this could signal an economic recovery. Yet, she and others are aware that significant time and effort are still needed to see tangible benefits flowing from these decisions.
The daunting task of rebuilding the country, particularly in crucial infrastructure and basic services, remains. Mohamed Ghazal from Startup Syria highlighted the messy and gradual nature of translating relief into jobs and reinvigorated economy, calling on systemic reforms and international investment as keystones for success. Moreover, banking systems still face serious challenges, including a lack of access to SWIFT, which is crucial for international transactions.
Regional instability, deeply entrenched sectarian divisions, and an ongoing humanitarian crisis further complicate Syria’s recovery prospects. While sanctions relief introduces possibilities, underlying issues threaten to derail progress. Rights for marginalized groups and women remain precarious, and millions still depend on aid as they navigate a country beset by both economic and political turmoil.
The lifting of sanctions, while undeniably significant, does not represent a panacea for the multitude of challenges faced by the Syrian people. It embodies a door opening, but the journey through it is fraught with obstacles requiring time, trust, and a commitment to meaningful change.
The potential lifting of sanctions on Syria offers a glimmer of hope for many, with opportunities for economic recovery and improved daily lives looming on the horizon. However, the path to that recovery is riddled with challenges, from infrastructural failures to persistent humanitarian crises. Even as cautious optimism grows, ordinary Syrians know that real change will take time and effort, demanding both national and international commitment to truly rebuild their country.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
