Following political changes in Syria, Ahmad Shar’a, currently leading the country, has called for an end to sanctions against Syria.
In an interview with the BBC in Damascus, Shar’a emphasized that Syria is weary of war and poses no threat to the West or its neighbors.
He urged that HTS (Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham) be removed from the list of “terrorist organizations” and that sanctions imposed on Syria be lifted.
Shar’a further clarified that they have not targeted civilians or non-military areas and view themselves as victims of Assad regime crimes. He stressed that victims should not be treated the same as oppressors.
However, the European Union’s foreign policy chief stated on Sunday that it is too early to consider lifting sanctions against Syria.
HTS remains designated as a terrorist organization by the United Nations, the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and several other countries.
Meanwhile, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia as armed opposition forces advanced toward Damascus. Russia later confirmed that Assad and his family had arrived in their territory.
Both Bashar al-Assad and his father, Hafez al-Assad, who ruled before him until his death in 2000, have been accused of widespread extrajudicial killings, including mass executions in Syria’s notorious prison systems. These accusations have been raised by Syrians, human rights groups, and international governments.
Assad, however, has repeatedly denied human rights violations by his government, portraying his opponents as extremists.
The ongoing sanctions and international isolation of Syria continue to fuel debate. Supporters argue that they pressure the regime to address human rights abuses, while critics highlight their devastating impact on Syrian civilians.
Finding a path forward for Syria will require balancing accountability for past crimes with efforts to rebuild the country. The international community must prioritize both justice and the humanitarian needs of the Syrian people.
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