Sanctions on Syria aren’t punishing Assad. They’re hurting Syrians.

While rising oil prices have blunted U.S. sanctions targeting Russia, which saw its oil revenue generate 93 billion euros, no lifeline has spared Syria—specifically the Syrian people—from the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act.

Today marks two years since the Caesar Act came into effect. The act expanded upon past U.S. sanctions, targeting “anyone providing support to the Syrian government and senior political figures, supporting the Syrian oil and gas industry, providing military aircraft or parts, and providing construction or engineering services directly or indirectly to the Syrian government”—opening the door for the U.S. to sanction not only Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s allies within the country’s borders but also any foreign entities willing to help him.

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Author

Natalie
Armbruster

Contributing Fellow