In brief
As Syria’s interim government reasserts control after the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad, international flights have resumed, albeit under significant sanctions. The new leaders aim to restore normalcy while facing skepticism from Western nations regarding their administration.
Syria's main airport handled its first international flights on Tuesday, marking a significant step towards normalcy following the recent ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad. The arrival of a Qatar Airways plane from Doha in Damascus kicks off a new era for the war-torn nation, as its new leaders strive to establish stability. This flight was joined by an initial journey from Jordan, celebrating a message of support, as Jordan's national carrier returned to the skies over Syria after 13 years.Additionally, Syria's national airline operated a flight to the United Arab Emirates, with passengers aboard proudly displaying Syrian flags and singing nationalist songs, as reported by state media. The new Islamist-led government, formed after al-Assad’s fall last month, has announced plans to draft an inclusive constitution while calling on civil servants to resume their duties.However, this government faces substantial challenges due to international sanctions still imposed as a consequence of the Assad regime. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the interim government's ruling coalition, is designated by numerous countries as a terrorist organization due to past ties with Al Qaeda, despite severing those connections years ago.Reactions from Western leaders remain cautious yet optimistic. Germany's foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock, remarks that Europe is prepared to offer support but will not endorse new Islamist structures in the region. The sanctions continue to pose a significant barrier for Syria’s rebuilding effort. When Ahmed al-Shara, head of the rebel coalition that ousted al-Assad, first came to power, he requested the U.S. and allies to reduce these restrictions. Recently, the Biden administration responded by easing some humanitarian aid constraints, though full sanctions remain intact.Syria's foreign minister, Asa'ad Hassan al-Shibani, expressed appreciation for the gesture yet insisted on lifting all sanctions, arguing that the removal of the al-Assad regime nullified their justification. He stressed that "those economic sanctions are now being wielded against the Syrian people, even as the reason they were imposed is no more," calling for their immediate cancellation.
