Key Takeaways:

• Germany maintains sanctions on Syrian war criminals but seeks a "smart approach" to aid.
• 50 million euros in new humanitarian aid announced for Syrians affected by the civil war.
• The U.S. eases restrictions on Syria, allowing certain transactions with the new government.

In a recent conference held in Saudi Arabia, Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock reiterated that sanctions against Syrian officials responsible for war crimes must stay in place. However, she emphasized the need for a “smart approach” to facilitate relief for the Syrian populace following the recent political upheaval that led to the downfall of President Bashar al-Assad. The discussions included European and Middle Eastern diplomats focusing on Syria's future amid enduring humanitarian crises stemming from nearly 14 years of civil war, which has resulted in approximately 500,000 deaths and the displacement of half the nation’s prewar population of 23 million people.

At the conference, Baerbock announced an additional 50 million euros ($51.2 million) in German aid aimed at supporting food security, emergency shelters, and medical care for the millions of Syrians still grappling with the aftermath of the conflict. She stated, “Sanctions against Assad’s henchmen who committed serious crimes during the civil war must remain in place. But Germany proposes to take a smart approach to sanctions, providing rapid relief for the Syrian population. Syrians now need a quick dividend from the transition of power” (AP News).

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas highlighted the importance of inclusive governance, advocating for a government that represents all of Syria’s religious and ethnic groups, including women's participation in the process. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan affirmed Ankara's commitment to helping Syria normalize its international relations post-Assad, stressing the balance needed between international expectations and the realities faced by the new administration.

Additionally, the United States has taken steps to ease some restrictions on Syria. Recently, the U.S. Treasury issued a six-month general license allowing specific transactions with the Syrian government, including energy sales. The U.S. also dropped a $10 million bounty on Ahmed al-Sharaa, the Syrian rebel leader whose group played a pivotal role in overthrowing Assad. Al-Sharaa, a former senior al-Qaeda militant, now advocates for an inclusive Syria respecting the rights of all religious minorities.

With Assad's regime no longer in power, there’s hope among new Syrian authorities that the international community will engage in reconstruction efforts to restore the country's war-torn infrastructure and revitalize its economy, which has suffered tremendously due to ongoing sanctions and civil conflict. More details can be found in the original report by SCMP.