The United Nations envoy to Syria has called for the immediate lifting of Western sanctions following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Syria has faced strict sanctions from the United States, the European Union, and other nations for years due to Assad’s brutal crackdown on peaceful anti-government protests in 2011, which escalated into a brutal civil war.
Geir Pedersen, the UN’s Special Envoy for Syria, urged the end of sanctions to enable the reconstruction of the country. “We hope to see a swift end to the sanctions so that we can truly work on rebuilding Syria,” Pedersen said.
Pedersen traveled to Damascus to meet with officials from the new interim government formed by former rebel forces that toppled Assad, led by the militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). U.S. officials have noted that the Biden administration is considering removing the “terrorist organization” label from the group, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirming direct contacts with them.
Over the weekend, Blinken participated in a meeting in Jordan, securing the support of 12 foreign ministers from the Arab League, Turkey, and top officials from the EU and the UN. The participants agreed that the new government should respect minority and women’s rights, prevent terrorist groups from gaining ground, ensure humanitarian aid reaches those in need, and dismantle any remaining chemical weapons from Assad’s era. Blinken emphasized that the U.S. would recognize and support a new government that adheres to these principles.
A week after the fall of Assad’s regime, Syrians are returning to schools and universities, feeling a sense of freedom. The transition has been relatively peaceful, with reports of revenge attacks and sectarian violence being minimal. Looting and destruction were swiftly curbed.
Officials reported that most schools reopened across the country on Sunday, the first working day of the week in many Arab countries. However, some parents are hesitant to send their children to class due to safety concerns.
“Today is the first day of lessons, a week after the fall of the regime. Today, we are in free Syria. Syrians are always seeking the good. Syrians are working to rebuild this country for the children and for others,” said Maysoun al-Ali, principal of Nahla Zaidan School in Damascus.
New leaders face a monumental task in rebuilding Syria after 13 years of civil war that killed hundreds of thousands. The economy is in ruins, poverty is widespread, and inflation and unemployment are high. Corruption remains rampant in daily life, but young Syrians are hopeful for the future.
“A week after the fall of Assad’s government, we are back at university. The situation is quieter, and the professors are encouraging us more,” said Ribah al-Ahmad, a student and resident of Damascus.
After five decades of Assad family rule, many residents are now looking to the international community for support.
“A week after the fall of the tyranny, thank God the country is safe. Life is returning to normal. Thank God that embassies have started reopening,” said Mohammad al-Homsi, a resident of Damascus.
The interim government is expected to govern until March, though the process for establishing a permanent administration remains unclear.
