What are the US sanctions on Syria and what would lifting them mean?

Apnews - May 14th, 2025

President Donald Trump announced plans to ease U.S. sanctions on Syria, a move seen as potentially transformative for the war-torn nation. The announcement, made during Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia, has sparked celebrations in Syria and praise from neighboring Arab leaders who host millions of Syrian refugees. Easing sanctions could invite investment and help rebuild Syria's devastated infrastructure, offering hope to ordinary Syrians and the new government under interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa.

The sanctions, some dating back 47 years, have severely impacted the Syrian economy and daily life, contributing to widespread poverty. Experts caution that while the easing of sanctions is a significant step, the process will be gradual and complex. The move signals a shift in Syria's international standing and could facilitate the return of refugees if economic conditions improve. However, the full economic impact hinges on the extent of sanctions removal and subsequent reforms, according to experts like Karam Shaar and economist Mounis Younes.

Donald Trump Syria U.S. Foreign Policy Refugees Middle East Ahmad Al Sharaa Sanctions Economic Recovery

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RATING

6.2

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article provides a timely and relevant overview of the potential lifting of U.S. sanctions on Syria, highlighting both the historical context and potential future impacts. While it effectively outlines the optimistic scenarios associated with easing sanctions, it could benefit from a more balanced exploration of differing perspectives and potential negative consequences. The reliance on a limited range of sources and the lack of detailed analysis or expert commentary somewhat limit its depth and reliability. Despite these shortcomings, the article addresses a topic of significant public interest with potential implications for international policy and humanitarian efforts. Overall, it offers a clear and engaging narrative but would be strengthened by greater transparency and a broader range of perspectives.

Accuracy

The article provides a factual overview of the U.S. sanctions on Syria and President Trump's announcement to ease them. For instance, it correctly identifies the historical context of the sanctions, including the 1979 designation of Syria as a 'state sponsor of terrorism' and the 2019 Caesar Act. However, the story could benefit from more precise details about the current status and specific steps involved in lifting these sanctions. While it mentions the potential for economic recovery and investment, it lacks corroborating data or expert analysis to substantiate these claims. The article also reports public reactions and potential economic impacts, which are plausible but would require further evidence and expert opinions to verify fully.

Balance

The article provides a generally balanced view of the potential impacts of lifting sanctions on Syria, highlighting both the economic opportunities and the challenges involved. However, it leans slightly towards an optimistic outlook without fully exploring potential negative consequences or dissenting opinions from international stakeholders. The piece mentions Syrian and Arab leaders' positive reactions but does not delve into the perspectives of other key international players, such as the European Union or Russia, which could provide a more comprehensive view of the geopolitical implications.

Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, providing a coherent narrative about the potential implications of lifting sanctions on Syria. It uses straightforward language and effectively outlines the historical context and potential future scenarios. However, the inclusion of more detailed explanations and supporting data could enhance clarity, particularly for readers unfamiliar with the complexities of international sanctions and Syrian politics.

Source quality

The article cites a few experts, such as Syrian economist Karam Shaar and Lebanese economist Mounis Younes, which adds some depth to the analysis. However, it lacks a broader range of sources, particularly from international political analysts or representatives from humanitarian organizations operating in Syria. The reliance on a limited number of voices may affect the overall reliability and depth of the reporting. Additionally, the article would benefit from citing official statements or documents regarding the sanctions and their potential removal.

Transparency

The article provides a reasonable amount of context regarding the history and impact of U.S. sanctions on Syria. However, it could be more transparent about the sources of its information, particularly concerning the current status of the sanctions and the specifics of Trump's announcement. The lack of detailed explanations about the methodology behind potential economic impacts and the process of lifting sanctions leaves readers with some unanswered questions regarding the basis of the claims.