The Intelligence from The Economist All talk, no sanctions: Trump lifts Syria embargo
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May 14, 2025 
Greg Karlstrom, Middle East correspondent for The Economist, provides sharp insights on the recent lifting of sanctions against Syria, discussing its potential geopolitical and economic ramifications. Josh Spencer, Asian news editor at The Economist, unpacks the complex political rivalry in the Philippines, revealing how midterm elections highlight tensions between influential dynasties. They also touch on the fascinating rise of VTubers, where digital avatars create engaging fan experiences, bridging technology and entertainment in exciting new ways.
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Impact of Syria Sanctions Lifted
- Lifting sanctions on Syria may enable reconstruction and investment after long civil war.
- Sanctions have frozen Syria out of global financial systems and hindered international aid flows.
Syria's Narcotics Economy Under Sanctions
- Assad regime overcame sanctions by turning Syria into a narco state through Captagon drug trade.
- This illicit economy funded army salaries and regime cronies despite hardships on ordinary Syrians.
Sanctions Have Outlived Usefulness
- Sanctions intended to pressure Assad have outlived their usefulness as regime changed.
- Keeping sanctions blocks Syria's stabilization and rebuilding, risking it becoming a failed state.