UK Lifts Sanctions On Jolani Regime As His Army Barrel-Bombs Civilians

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The UK has lifted sanctions on 24 Syrian entities, including the central bank, in a landmark move that could be a turning point for Syria's devastated economy. Britain has become the first country to unfreeze all assets of the Central Bank of Syria.

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As long as US sanctions remain, the material impact of Britain's move will be limited. But the policy could be a turning point in encouraging other European nations to lift more sanctions.

It is certainly a bold decision from the Labor government, which will be seen to be designing its own Middle East policy, distinct from that of the US.

It comes just days after Turkey's Deputy Foreign Minister Nuh Yilmaz met Britain's Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer to discuss Syria's future, including sanctions and economic development.

Chris Doyle, chair of the Council for Arab-British Understanding, said: "This is a belated if very welcome step by the UK. The Syrian economy desperately needs a boost and removing or easing sanctions is one of the key measures than can assist in this process."

He added: "Getting Syrians back to productive work, running their businesses, and getting out of a situation of being aid dependent is all part of ensuring a successful transition away from decades of Assad regime rule."

Summary from ZH