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The Opinions

The One Thing the U.S. Can Do to Help Syria Now

Dec 11, 2024
Farah Stockman, a member of the New York Times editorial board, brings her insights on U.S. sanctions and their impact on Syria. She argues that lifting these sanctions could significantly aid ordinary Syrians in rebuilding their nation. The discussion covers the severe economic challenges caused by existing sanctions, the rise of poverty, and the black market's implications. Stockman also highlights the cautious approaches of regional powers and critiques the sanctions’ role in hindering peace-building efforts in the region.
08:46

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Lifting U.S. sanctions against Syria could significantly improve the economic conditions for ordinary Syrians, facilitating recovery efforts.
  • The political risks of removing sanctions are tied to the new Syrian government's ability to govern inclusively and maintain regional stability.

Deep dives

The Impact of Sanctions on Syria's Recovery

Syria faces severe economic challenges, largely exacerbated by extensive sanctions that have been in place for decades. The Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, implemented due to human rights violations, has created a complex situation where ordinary Syrians suffer while those connected to the regime prosper. As the Assad regime has fallen, maintaining these sanctions appears increasingly unjustifiable, as they continue to hinder the country's recovery and rebuilding efforts. Lifting the sanctions could help alleviate the poverty experienced by over 90% of Syrians, allowing for a more transparent economy and fostering much-needed development.

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