My latest:
As the EU intensely debates the future of Assad-era sanctions this week, I argue in the Middle East Institution that these measures—originally designed to pressure Assad—no longer have a legal foundation, are immoral and counterproductive. With Assad’s fall, they now obstruct recovery and deepen the suffering of Syrians. It’s time for the EU to return to its longstanding, principled position.
These sanctions are no longer a source of leverage. As I explain, the EU is shooting itself in the foot by maintaining them—damaging both Syrian and European interests and pushing Damascus to strategic rivals. Civil society organizations have also issued this statement, co-drafted by OPEN, ACSyria, Syrian Center, and SNHR, which I encourage other organizations to sign.
https://docs.google.com/forms/u/1/d/e/1FAIpQLSeNhyWXhfR9TFzTPO
WSW31FspvLRWlacCHJaJkSkM7PdDFGog/viewform…
https://mei.edu/blog/its-time-end-eus-assad-era-sanctions-syria