Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has emphasized the importance of maintaining sanctions against Syrian officials implicated in war crimes but called for a nuanced approach to deliver urgent relief to the Syrian population following last month’s overthrow of President Bashar Assad, reports AP.
Speaking at a high-level conference on Syria’s future in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Baerbock announced €50 million ($51.2 million) in German aid for food, emergency shelters, and medical care. She stressed that while punitive measures against war criminals are non-negotiable, a “smart approach” to sanctions is needed to alleviate the hardships faced by millions of Syrians displaced by over a decade of conflict.
Sanctions Amid a Transition of Power
Baerbock highlighted the need for a balanced strategy, stating:
“Sanctions against Assad’s henchmen who committed serious crimes during the civil war must remain in place. But Syrians now need a quick dividend from the transition of power.”
Her remarks come as Syria’s new leadership seeks international support to rebuild the war-torn nation after the December 8 ousting of Assad, which ended decades of his family’s rule.
International Perspectives
- European Union: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas underlined the importance of inclusivity, urging Syria’s new government to ensure representation for all religious and ethnic communities, as well as women, in its rebuilding efforts.
- Turkey: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan voiced support for normalizing Syria’s international relations and pledged Turkey’s assistance in addressing security concerns, particularly threats from the Islamic State group.
U.S. Policy Shifts
The United States recently eased restrictions on certain transactions with Syria, including energy sales, via a six-month general license issued by the Treasury. Additionally, the U.S. dropped a $10 million bounty on rebel leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly Abu Mohammed al-Golani, who led the insurgency that toppled Assad.
Background on Assad’s Overthrow
The December uprising, spearheaded by Syrian rebel forces, marked a pivotal moment in the country’s history, ending years of oppressive rule. Allegations of war crimes, as well as the production and smuggling of the amphetamine-like drug Captagon, had isolated Assad’s regime internationally.
The Path Forward
With Assad out, Syria’s new authorities are hopeful that global powers will invest in rebuilding the country’s devastated infrastructure and restoring its economy. However, challenges remain as the international community navigates the balance between justice for past crimes and humanitarian relief.
