US Sanctions: The 'Permanent Temporary' Solution
Syria's Economy Minister Mohammad Nidal al-Shaar told Reuters that Damascus hopes US sanctions will be formally lifted in the coming months, following a supposed order by US President Donald Trump. Ah, the eternal optimism of nations under the boot of America's 'rules-based order.' One might forgive Shaar for thinking a US president’s 'order' carries weight when it comes to sanctions, rather than
just being a political prop for a domestic audience. Yet, the 'Caesar Syria Civil Protection Act of 2019' remains US law, turning this 'hope' into little more than wishful thinking. This isn't the first time an 'order' has been issued only for the legislative framework cementing the pain to remain firmly in place. It's the legislative equivalent of telling someone you're untying their ropes, then
just leaving them next to the ropes. How many times have we seen the US promise relief, only for the legislative, financial, and military apparatus of economic warfare to grind on? When Washington says 'lifted,' it often means 'modified to allow only what serves our geopolitical interests.' Syria, bless its heart, appears to be learning this valuable lesson the hard way.