The Syria Sanctions Policy Program

The Syria Sanctions Policy Program (SSPP)
With Bashar al-Assad’s fall and the rise of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s (HTS) former leader as Syria’s de facto President, the international community has been forced to reassess both autonomous and UN-imposed terror-related sanctions. These include measures targeting the Syrian state, former regime members, HTS, and various non-state actors, as well as sector-specific restrictions on the country’s energy, banking, and transport industries. So far, Western governments have made little to no long-term commitment to lifting sanctions on Syria, limiting their adjustments to temporary and narrowly focused measures. The shifting reality demands a structured approach to evaluating the effectiveness and impact of current sanctions.

The Syria Sanctions Policy Program (SSPP) brings together researchers, policymakers, bureaucrats, and politicians to shape sanctions policy on Syria. Led by Dr. Karam Shaar, the SSPP analyzes the scope, legal framework, and designations of current sanctions, identifying which measures effectively serve their intended purpose and which inadvertently restrict civil society and private sector activities in a country where war has already devastated the economy and infrastructure.

The program evaluates whether and how sanctions can influence a stable political transition, effective reconstruction, and economic recovery. To address these challenges, the SSPP assesses the risks and benefits of scaling back or fully dismantling the sanctions framework. It explores whether conditional easing or immediate lifting of sanctions would be more optimal depending on the type of sanctions and policy objectives. Additionally, the program investigates partial and temporary sanctions relief mechanisms—such as exemptions, licenses, and authorizations—that could support Syria’s reconstruction and private sector growth.

Objectives
The SSPP aims to influence global sanctions on Syria by:

• Assessing impact: Analyzing how sanctions influence Syria’s political transition, reconstruction, and economic recovery
• Exploring dismantlement: Weighing the risks and benefits of easing or lifting sanctions
• Developing relief strategies: If necessary, designing exemptions, licenses, and phased easing measures to support reconstruction and early recovery
• Reducing civilian harm: Minimizing unintended humanitarian consequences and removing obstacles to aid delivery. 

Operational Goals
The SSPP works to:

• Publish policy research and media articles to inform the public debate
• Advocate for its goals through closed-door meetings and public events 

Publication:
How a Drug Kingpin is Running Flights from Damascus to the Rest of the World (link)

Strengths and Weaknesses of General License 24 from Syria Sanctions (link)

US Terrorist Listings on HTS and How They Relate to UN Designations (link)