The outgoing Biden administration has announced plans to relax restrictions on humanitarian aid and essential services to Syria, although key sanctions will remain in place against the country’s new government.
This move is seen as a gesture of goodwill toward Syria’s transitional government, aiming to alleviate the dire conditions faced by civilians in the war-torn country. However, the US will continue to retain leverage over the new administration while proceeding cautiously.
Since the fall of the Assad regime in late 2024 following a rapid rebel offensive, US officials have held multiple meetings with the ruling administration, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). HTS, which spearheaded the advance, is still designated as a terrorist organization by Washington due to its past affiliation with Al-Qaeda, although it has since renounced the group and fought against it in Idlib.
The US seeks HTS’s cooperation on counterterrorism efforts and the formation of a more inclusive government. Progress in these areas could lead to a potential lifting of sanctions, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.
The Biden administration approved the easing of restrictions over the weekend, with the US Treasury Department issuing waivers to aid organizations and companies providing essential services such as water, electricity, and humanitarian supplies.
It remains unclear whether President-elect Donald Trump, set to take office on 20 January, will continue this policy toward Syria’s transitional government.
In a sign of broader regional acceptance, Syria’s new foreign minister, Asaad al-Shaibani, visited the UAE on Monday with his defense and intelligence counterparts. This followed a visit to Qatar, signaling growing diplomatic recognition for Syria’s post-Assad leadership.
Meanwhile, a military faction linked to Syria’s new authorities has continued a crackdown, arresting hundreds of former regime officials in a security sweep across eastern Homs Province. According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), approximately 500 individuals were detained, including former military, police, and intelligence officers, who had previously surrendered their weapons under settlement deals in exchange for civilian status.
Despite reports of some mistreatment of detainees, SOHR noted that former regime soldiers and supporters have been released through ongoing reconciliation efforts.
