Mar 25, 2025
By: Dr Karam Shaar
Dutch Parliament Urges EU Action on Syria Sanctions
The Dutch Parliament passed a motion urging the government to push within the EU for a snapback of sanctions on Syria if minority rights continue to deteriorate under the interim authorities. Citing recent violence and the exclusionary constitutional declaration, the motion—backed by a cross-party coalition—warns that the lifting of sanctions must not enable repression. The government offered no objection, allowing the motion to pass with broad support.
The motion is referring to the February sanctions suspensions which were already insufficient as we argued in our latest report.
https://opensyr.com/en/pages/p-26
In what world is it OK to reimpose sanctions originally imposed for crimes committed by a bygone regime?
There's only one way that's consistent with international law: Sanctions imposed over Assad's conduct must be lifted after his toppling.
Shouldn't the world be concerned over the conduct of the government in Damascus? Of course they should as many Syrians are. Are Assad-era sanctions the ideal policy tool? NO!