Will the West move fast enough to lift al-Assad-era sanctions on Syria?

Damascus launches a diplomatic outreach to push for an end to restrictions.

The United Nations says seven out of 10 Syrians require humanitarian assistance after 13 years of war.

And an estimated $500bn is needed to rebuild their country.

Syria’s new administration has engaged in diplomacy in the past two weeks to persuade Western powers to rapidly lift sanctions imposed during the rule of Bashar al-Assad.

But those governments want to see progress towards inclusive and democratic governance in Syria.

Concerns are growing that the euphoria following the fall of al-Assad may give way to frustration and violence if the process is delayed.

Will the West be prepared to lift sanctions – and fast?

And can Syria’s new rulers make the changes needed to win the confidence of world powers?

Presenter: Neave Barker

Guests:

Ammar Kahf – executive director of the Omran Center for Strategic Studies

Hind Kabawat – director of interfaith peacebuilding at the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution at George Mason University

Fadi Dayoub – executive director of Local Development and Small Projects Support, a Syrian NGO

Read More

  • Related Posts

    New US sanctions target 50 people, companies and ships for allegedly aiding Iran’s oil and gas trade

    This page either does not exist or is currently unavailable. From here you can either hit the “back” button on your browser to return to the previous page, or visit…

    UN sanctions on Iran set to return after failed delay bid

    NewsFeed All UN sanctions on Iran are set to be reimposed on Saturday after a Russian-Chinese bid to delay them failed at the Security Council. Britain, France and Germany, known…

    You Missed

    British father was unlawfully killed by an Iranian drone while on an empty oil tanker in the Middle East, inquest rules

    British father was unlawfully killed by an Iranian drone while on an empty oil tanker in the Middle East, inquest rules

    BBC attacks King over tax: Veteran David Dimbleby says ‘ultra-rich’ Charles should be paying in more

    BBC attacks King over tax: Veteran David Dimbleby says ‘ultra-rich’ Charles should be paying in more

    Playing dress-ups, hugs, and big smiles: William Tyrrell’s sister shares haunting never-before-seen photos of her little brother before he mysteriously disappeared

    Playing dress-ups, hugs, and big smiles: William Tyrrell’s sister shares haunting never-before-seen photos of her little brother before he mysteriously disappeared

    Moment Reeves refuses to meet Kemi Badenoch’s eye in TV showdown after Tory leader branded her a liar and ridiculed her ‘sexism’ complaints

    Moment Reeves refuses to meet Kemi Badenoch’s eye in TV showdown after Tory leader branded her a liar and ridiculed her ‘sexism’ complaints

    Hollywood’s secret script doctor: How Sir Tom Stoppard’s uncredited writing for Spielberg and Lucas made their blockbusters sing

    Hollywood’s secret script doctor: How Sir Tom Stoppard’s uncredited writing for Spielberg and Lucas made their blockbusters sing

    Cyber Monday 2025 UK deals live: The best offers still on after Black Friday on big-name brands

    • By poster
    • December 15, 2025
    • 2 views
    Cyber Monday 2025 UK deals live: The best offers still on after Black Friday on big-name brands