Loading ...The Impact of U.S Sanctions During the Syrian Civil War
By: Amir Kobeissi / Arab America Contributing Writer
The Syrian Civil War has been one of the worst tragedies in modern-day history, and the effects of U.S sanctions imposed on Syria have only worsened the situation. Constant pressure on Syria’s regime to step down or change its way of governance led only to adverse effects on the Syrian people. Arab Americans face a huge struggle here as well when visiting and helping family back home, while this plays a role in both their love for their homeland and identity.
Early Impact of U.S Sanctions
Sanctions in Syria began in the height of the civil war in Syria, post-uprising in 2011, when civilians and protesters aimed to oust their leader, Bashar Al-Assad. Other nations, especially the United States, imposed these sanctions to weaken the current regime in Syria and pose threats to it to weaken its economy and undermine high-ranking government officials’ legitimacy. These sanctions may have been targeted at the country’s government. Still, they had a significant impact on civilians living in the country, who were forced to face shortages in healthcare, food, and basic everyday necessities.
Not only did this place such a negative impact on the country as a whole, but it also affected outsiders as well, especially Arab Americans who had families in Syria. This made it difficult for them to receive the aid they needed and immensely complicated their visits back home. Feelings of helplessness and loss of hope created desperation and sadness among many in the country. They motivated more people to fight against the current regime, which even created more chaos in the country’s poor state.
Arab American Struggles
Arab Americans suffered greatly and faced many struggles seeing their country and homeland in the poor state it’s in. Even contacting loved ones in the country and worrying about frequently occurring issues made it difficult for people to maintain a connection to their identity. Syria did not have a strong reputation in the Western world, and people had to learn how to navigate both defending their nation while also ensuring their loved ones’ safety and security.
The Idea of Reducing Sanctions
The idea of sanctions being reduced in Syria has been seen differently by many people in the region, and some view it as a move that may boost the current regime and help it secure power. Fears that the regime could use it to bestow suffering on its people are a critique and a harsh reality that Syrian civilians could face. Some view the idea of reducing sanctions as a pure necessity that will help the country rebuild itself and gain legitimacy in the wider Arab world. A prime example of sanctions having such a significant impact is when massive earthquakes occurred in Syria in 2023, when outside aid and help were needed to restore all the damage caused.
What the Removal of Sanctions Means Today
In December of 2024, the Assad regime fell to rebels who had been fighting in the long-lasting civil war since 2011, and took control over most parts of the country. This, however, raised speculation in the West, who had concerns about this new ruling power in Syria, and made it difficult for them to gain legitimacy due to their reputations.
Despite all of this, most sanctions on Syria were lifted in May 2025, allowing for economic and international relations to resume and become active once again, unlike before. This has given Syrians a renewed sense of hope, one that they may have lost amid the ongoing civil war. Lifting these sanctions has not only changed the way Syrians live their life, but has given them hope for a new future free of corruption and devastation.
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