Sanctions eased, but challenges remain

Syria’s Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, Hind Kabawat, has welcomed the recent easing of Western sanctions on her country, calling it a crucial step toward national recovery and the reintegration of millions of displaced citizens.

In an interview with the Associated Press, Kabawat said that the lifting of most U.S. and EU sanctions, even on a temporary basis, offers hope for reconstruction and effective governance. “The steps taken by the United States and the European Union last week will allow this work to begin,” she stated.

Kabawat noted that the sanctions had long paralyzed critical state functions, blocking humanitarian efforts, infrastructure rebuilding, and anti-corruption initiatives. 

“We were talking and making plans, but nothing could be achieved on the ground because the sanctions were hindering everything and restricting our work,” she said. “With them lifted, we can now move to the implementation phase.”

One of the government's key goals, according to the minister, is the repatriation of millions of Syrian refugees. She emphasized that lifting the sanctions enables Damascus to begin creating the conditions necessary for safe, voluntary return — a goal long delayed by economic paralysis and administrative gridlock.

Kabawat also mentioned that the government is preparing to tackle corruption and launch reforms, though she acknowledged the complexity of the task ahead. “We are proceeding step by step,” she said. “We have many challenges, and we must be optimistic.”

Bureaucracy Still a Hurdle

While cautiously hopeful, Kabawat stressed that the effects of sanction relief may not be immediate. “Easing sanctions will take some time to show its impact on the ground, especially since easing some financial restrictions will involve complex bureaucracy,” she explained.

The recent sanctions relief marks a significant political and economic development for Syria, and comes amid growing international debate over how best to support the country’s recovery after more than a decade of conflict.