In a significant policy shift, the former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued an executive order to remove the specific sanctions against Syria.
The move represents a worldwide shift of U.S. foreign policy on the war-ravaged country. Yet, there will be a number of essential limitations, aimed at extremely narrow subjects and personalities.
The U.S. State Department estimates that even after the transition, sanctions will still be imposed on former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, ISIS figures, and Iran-backed militias present in the area.
These factions have been regarded as threats to the regional peace. The partial lifting is intended to promote encouraging moves without rewarding aggressive agents.
A senior American official added that the U.S. is also reconsidering the status of Syria as a so-called Sponsor of terrorism.
A review of this may result to additional changes based on the conduct of Syria and willingness to abide by international standards. On that front, however, no decision has been finalized on.
In the meantime, the move was welcomed by Syria with the Syrian Foreign Minister referring to it as a step towards restoring confidence and communicating with the rest of the international community.
He continued that the removal of the sanctions would provide new avenues regarding economic growth and post war reconstruction.
The announcement has received varied reactions in the international diplomatic arena. Some consider it a move towards peace, others think it will relieve pressure on a regime charged with gross human rights abuse.
Nevertheless, the partial relief may bring some hope about economic recovery in conflict-torn regions of Syria.
The months ahead will be a crucial test as the international community looks on to see whether Syria can step in the direction of peace and reform or into a world of unpredictability and uncertainties.
