Economist Podcasts All talk, no sanctions: Trump lifts Syria embargo
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May 14, 2025 
Greg Karlstrom, the Middle East correspondent for The Economist, and Josh Spencer, Asian news editor, delve into significant geopolitical shifts as Trump lifts the Syria embargo. They analyze the implications for regional stability and U.S. foreign policy. The conversation shifts to the intense rivalry in the Philippine midterm elections, exploring the power dynamics between the Marcos and Duterte families. Finally, they uncover the fascinating rise of VTubers, digital avatars that blend gaming and live performance, capturing hearts and online audiences around the world.
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Impact of Lifting Syria Sanctions
- Lifting sanctions on Syria will likely enable reconstruction and stabilize the country economically.
- Sanctions had been a major barrier to investment and rebuilding efforts after the civil war.
Sanctions Boosted Russian Influence
- Sanctions shifted Syria's energy reliance to Russia, which remains its main oil supplier.
- Sanctions froze Syria out of global finance, preventing even humanitarian aid from flowing.
Syria Turned Into a Narco-State
- The Assad regime relied heavily on narco-trafficking, such as Captagon production, to endure sanctions.
- This narcotics trade funded militias and regime salaries despite economic isolation.