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The Biden administration has eased sanctions that blocked transactions with the Syrian transitional government after the expulsion of dictator Bashar al-Assad.
The move marks a rapprochement between the US and Hay’at Tahrir al Sham (HTS), designated a terrorist group in the US, after the group led the successful ouster of Assad. Sanctions relief allows US companies and NGOs to contribute to the reconstruction of Syria under the transitional government, particularly essential services such as the provision of electricity, energy, water and sanitation.
“The end of Bashar al-Assad’s brutal and repressive government, backed by Russia and Iran, offers a unique opportunity for Syria and its people to rebuild,” Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo said in a statement Monday.
“During this transition period, the Treasury will continue to support humanitarian assistance and responsible governance in Syria.”
The United States has called for HTS to transition to a Syrian government that includes civil society, particularly minorities and women, as needed to build relationships.
Although the Biden administration has dropped a $10 million bounty on HTS chief Ahmed al-Shara, who has assumed the role of Syria’s leader, U.S. officials said they are watching close as HTS leads the transition process before there are broad sanctions. raised
Secretary of State Antony Blinken is heading to Italy and the Holy See this week to meet with his European counterparts to advocate for a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political transition, the State Department said.
