Critics of lifting sanctions against Syria, including many Western policymakers and Syrian opposition groups, warn that doing so would reward the Assad government for its brutal conduct during the war and undermine accountability. They argue that the regime has used ceasefires and aid access as leverage, and any relaxation of sanctions could be exploited to consolidate power and evade responsibility for war crimes.
Opponents point to the regime's history of diverting humanitarian assistance to loyalist areas and its refusal to implement UN resolutions on political transition. Lifting sanctions without concrete guarantees on human rights and political reform would effectively hand Assad a victory, they say. Moreover, the sanctions have been a key tool to prevent the Syrian government from accessing resources to rebuild military capabilities and continue repression.
Some analysts also worry that lifting sanctions could benefit Iran and Russia, key allies of Assad, who have economic interests in Syria. It could also complicate efforts to secure justice for victims and hold perpetrators accountable. Instead of a blanket lifting, critics advocate for targeted sanctions that allow humanitarian exemptions while maintaining pressure on the regime. They insist that the primary goal must remain ending the conflict through a credible political settlement, not just short-term humanitarian relief.