Western sanctions on Syria are being lifted, raising hopes for stability among citizens like Syrian writer Marwah Morhly. This change, initiated by a recent announcement from President Trump, allows for financial transactions under a transitional government led by President Al-Sharaa. Support from neighboring nations like Saudi Arabia and Qatar adds to hopes of a long-awaited recovery, despite many challenges ahead.
In a groundbreaking shift, Western sanctions on Syria are set to be lifted, raising hopes among many for a fresh start in the war-torn nation. Marwah Morhly, a Syrian writer now residing in Turkiye, expressed her excitement, stating, “It’s a different kind of freedom — the freedom to dream.” For Morhly, this could mean a more stable life in her hometown of Damascus, where working remotely had previously involved considerable risk and complications. She details that remote workers were forced to navigate a secretive existence due to the sanctions prohibiting visibility for jobs conducted within Syria.
This momentous change began on May 13, when President Donald Trump announced the lifting of sanctions during his Saudi visit, describing it as a historic opportunity for Syria. Shortly after, the US Treasury Department issued General License 25, allowing financial transactions with Syria’s transitional government, which is now led by President Ahmad Al-Sharaa. Moreover, the EU joined the effort, ending its own sanctions to help a nation recovering from over a decade of devastating civil war.
Recent announcements from the Saudi Foreign Minister in Damascus indicated a coordinated effort with Qatar to support public sector salaries in Syria. This followed Saudi Arabia’s move to clear Syria’s $15.5 million debt to a World Bank fund, aimed at uplifting the country’s impoverished status. Ibrahim Al-Assil, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, pointed out that grassroots advocacy, particularly from individuals within Syria, played a crucial role in this policy shift.
Al-Assil emphasized that while the international political landscape is shifting, the direct impact on daily lives in Syria cannot be overlooked. He noted how the sanctions affected everything from basic medicine access to what industries could operate within the country. For many Syrians, the lifting of sanctions could mean renewed hope for a better quality of life and some semblance of normalcy in their daily routines.
Artists and professionals like Salma Saleh, a graphic designer in Damascus, have faced relentless challenges. For over a decade, they were stunted by lack of access to necessary technologies, software, and freelance platforms due to sanctions. Saleh noted, “Syrians are blocked from PayPal and most global payment platforms used by freelancing platforms,” severely limiting their ability to thrive in their careers.
Overall, this shift gives a glimmer of hope to an all-encompassing recovery process. Lama Beddawi, a Syrian-American analyst, expressed cautious optimism, believing that lifting sanctions could stimulate economic recovery and allow for rebuilding infrastructure and institutions. However, Morhly and others remind us that change won’t happen overnight, stating, “Everyone understands this isn’t a magic fix — the effects will take time to show.”
Challenges still loom large. Economic relief hinges on reforms and tangible changes in engagement and investment. According to Mohamed Ghazal, managing director of Startup Syria, translating these lifted sanctions into real benefits, such as job creation and improved services, will be quite a complex endeavor. Areas like business development continue to experience slow momentum.
Furthermore, the road ahead for Syria remains filled with hurdles, including political fragmentation and ongoing violence, particularly against minorities. As the humanitarian crisis deepens, with millions still displaced and dependent on aid, all stakeholders recognize that tangible change may take time and will depend on the collective efforts of domestic and international actors moving forward.
In sum, while the lifting of sanctions ushers in an opportunity for fresh beginnings for the Syrian people, actualizing these opportunities will require consistent effort and patience. As Morhly put it, “For now, we’ll take a hit from the dollar rate, but in a couple of months, more people will actually be able to afford meat again.” The signs of progress are present but catching up to hopeful aspirations will take significant work and trust.
The recent lifting of Western sanctions against Syria is being viewed as a potential catalyst for renewed hope among Syrians, as many dream of a future with more stability and normalcy. While some are cautious about immediate beneficial outcomes, particularly given the country’s complex challenges, this policy shift marks a significant turning point. As communities engage in rebuilding efforts, sustained engagements, both domestically and internationally, will be crucial to revitalize the economy and alleviate the humanitarian crisis. The path ahead remains long, but for many, this change holds the promise of a more prosperous future.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
