Syria's Call for Sanction Lifting Amidst Transition

Syria's new foreign minister, Asaad al-Schaibani, has made a strong appeal for the lifting of economic sanctions against his country at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Al-Schaibani emphasized that removing these sanctions is crucial for Syria's stability and recovery. The sanctions, originally imposed to pressure former leader Bashar al-Assad, now harm the Syrian people, according to al-Schaibani. Assad was ousted by fighters led by the HTS militia, and the current transitional government, headed by HTS leader Ahmed al-Scharaa, is pushing for the sanction removal.

Despite these calls, the international community remains cautious. Many nations, including the United States, are hesitant to lift sanctions without seeing how the new Islamist government will develop. The HTS is still recognized as a terrorist organization by the US and other Western states. However, the US has temporarily eased some sanctions to ensure essential services like electricity and water are not hindered.

Al-Schaibani assured that Syria would pose no threat to other nations, noting that the country has inherited a collapsed state from the Assad regime. The new government plans to focus on rebuilding five key sectors: energy, telecommunications, infrastructure, education, and health. These efforts include considering privatization and public-private partnerships in oil, cotton, and infrastructure projects. The European Union's potential sanction relief is contingent upon forming an inclusive government that protects minorities.

The transitional government also aims to draft a new constitution that includes all communities, including women, and is committed to rebuilding with international support. While there are signs of potential easing, the global response remains tentative as countries closely monitor Syria's political evolution.