Egypt Daily News – Informed sources said that the United States will announce very soon the easing of restrictions on providing humanitarian aid and other basic services such as electricity to Syria while maintaining the strict sanctions regime.
The decision by President Joe Biden’s administration would send a signal of good faith to Syria’s new rulers while aiming to pave the way for improving difficult living conditions in the war-torn country while simultaneously moving cautiously and preserving American influence, according to the Wall Street Journal.
The decision underscores the White House’s caution about lifting wide-ranging sanctions on Syria until the direction taken by its new leaders, led by a group the United States classifies as a terrorist organization, becomes clear.
The limited move approved by the administration over the weekend allows the Treasury Department to issue exemptions to aid groups and businesses that provide essential services, such as water, electricity and other humanitarian supplies, officials said.
According to sources, the United States is refraining from making a decision on lifting sanctions imposed during the brutal 13-year Syrian civil war, seeking guarantees that Damascus will not back down on its promises to protect the rights of women and the country’s numerous religious and ethnic minorities.
In December, President Biden said after Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fled the country: “Make no mistake, some of the rebel groups that overthrew Assad have their own dismal record of terrorism and human rights violations. They are saying the right things now, but with greater responsibility. “We will evaluate not only their words, but also their actions.”
