US eases humanitarian aid restrictions for Syria amid ongoing sanctions debate

The Biden administration announced on January 6 a new policy to ease restrictions on humanitarian aid for Syria, aiming to accelerate the delivery of essential supplies without lifting broad sanctions on the country.

This limited measure, which underscores the White House’s cautious approach, comes as the rebel-led government in Damascus seeks international legitimacy.

The U.S. Treasury Department will issue six-month waivers to aid organizations and companies providing essential services, such as water, electricity, and basic humanitarian supplies. Officials emphasized that the waivers, approved over the weekend, include conditions to prevent misuse of the aid by the Syrian government, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The move reflects Washington's hesitation to remove sweeping sanctions imposed during Syria’s 13-year civil war. The administration remains wary of the new leadership in Damascus, headed by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a Sunni Islamist group formerly affiliated with al Qaeda. HTS led the offensive that ousted President Bashar al-Assad, who fled the country late last year.

President Joe Biden addressed the issue in December, stating: “Some of the rebel groups that took down Assad have their own grim record of terrorism and human right abuses. They are saying the right things now, but as they take on greater responsibility, we will assess not just their words, but their actions.”

HTS, under its leader Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani, has sought to rebrand itself as a more moderate force. The group publicly severed ties with al Qaeda years ago and is actively seeking international recognition. However, its designation as a terrorist organization complicates access to reconstruction funds and restricts the flow of broader assistance.

French and German diplomats, including German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, recently visited Damascus to assess the situation. Baerbock highlighted the need for inclusive governance, emphasizing the importance of women and Kurdish representation in Syria’s transition. She also warned against European funds supporting “new Islamist structures” and maintained that it was premature to lift sanctions on Syria.

David Adesnik, a Syria expert at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, urged reforms to prevent past abuses in aid distribution. “This is the moment when we need to consider major fixes to a very broken aid program that has been ineffective for a decade,” he said.

As the Biden administration nears its end, the decision on broader sanctions relief and whether to formally recognize the HTS-led government will likely fall to President-elect Donald Trump. Meanwhile, midlevel U.S. officials and European allies continue to engage cautiously with HTS leaders, balancing the need for urgent aid with concerns about the group’s history and future intentions.

By Vugar Khalilov