The Biden administration has taken steps to temporarily loosen restrictions on humanitarian aid to Syria, aiming to accelerate the delivery of essential goods while keeping sanctions in place against the new government in Damascus.
The move, first reported by The Wall Street Journal, was approved over the weekend and reflects Washington’s cautious approach toward the Syrian regime, now led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist group that the U.S. and EU label a terrorist organization. Its leader, Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani—also known as Ahmad al-Shara’—is trying to present himself as a moderate figure seeking international recognition and is seen as the de facto ruler of the country.
The decision grants the U.S. Treasury Department the authority to issue temporary waivers for humanitarian organizations and companies providing critical services like water and electricity. The waivers, initially set to last six months, aim to streamline the process by eliminating case-by-case authorizations, but they come with strict conditions to prevent aid from being diverted by the Syrian government.
“Some of the rebel groups that helped overthrow Assad have a history of terrorism and human rights abuses,” President Joe Biden remarked. “We will evaluate their actions, not just their words.”
The future of U.S. recognition of the new Syrian government and the potential lifting of sanctions may now be left to the incoming administration of Donald Trump, who will take office in less than two weeks. Meanwhile, diplomatic talks have been taking place in Damascus between U.S. officials and HTS leaders. Last week, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and her French counterpart Jean-Noël Barrot also visited Syria and met with al-Shara’. Baerbock warned that European funds should not be used to finance “new Islamist structures,” although she acknowledged a growing sense of freedom within the country.
The international community, including European nations, remains wary that aid to Damascus could once again be funneled into covert activities, as happened under Assad’s regime, which diverted resources intended for civilians to consolidate its grip on power.
