Podcast Summary: The Opinions – "The One Thing the U.S. Can Do to Help Syria Now"

Release Date: December 11, 2024
Host/Author: The New York Times Opinion

Introduction to the Episode

[00:28] The episode begins with a brief introduction from the host, labeled as Speaker B, who sets the stage for the discussion:
"This is The Opinions, a show that brings you a mix of voices from New York Times Opinion. You've heard the news. Here's what to make of it."

Historic Shift in Syria: The Fall of Assad

[00:41] Faris Stockman, a member of The New York Times editorial board specializing in foreign policy and domestic politics, delves into a monumental shift in Syria’s political landscape:
*"We've just witnessed this incredible historic event where after 13 years of brutal civil war in Syria, the Syrian regime led by Bashar Al Assad has fallen. A coalition of rebel groups has taken over, swept the country, and Assad has fled."
[00:41]

This marks a potential turning point for Syria, offering a window of opportunity to rebuild and reintegrate refugees into their homeland.

The Burden of US Sanctions on Syria

[02:15] Stockman emphasizes the crippling effect of US-imposed sanctions on Syria, asserting that lifting these sanctions is crucial for the country's recovery:
*"Syria is one of the most heavily sanctioned countries on earth, and there's no way that it can rebuild its economy and open a new chapter as long as those sanctions remain in place."
[02:15]

He outlines the historical context of these sanctions, starting from 1979 when Syria was designated as a state sponsor of terrorism for its actions in Lebanon and support of Hezbollah.

Analyzing the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act

[04:10] A focal point of the discussion is the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, a significant piece of legislation passed five years prior:
*"The Caesar act sanctions in particular are sanctions that were very much about punishing Assad and making sure Assad couldn't hurt civilians anymore."
[04:10]

Originally intended to prevent the Assad regime from engaging in oppressive activities, the act imposed third-party sanctions on entities dealing with Syria’s construction and oil sectors. However, Stockman critiques its unintended consequences:
*"More than 90% of Syrians live in poverty today. And sanctions are one of the reasons... you couldn't operate if you didn't have connections with the Assad regime."
[05:05]

This led to the proliferation of a black market economy, enriching those allied with Assad while ordinary citizens suffered.

The Dilemma of Lifting Sanctions

[06:30] Stockman discusses the complexities involved in removing sanctions, highlighting the political and social challenges:
*"Once you put sanctions in place, even if the thing you wanted to sanction originally no longer exists, it's politically very difficult to lift them. No president wants to be known as the person who lifted sanctions on some murderer."
[06:30]

He draws parallels with the peace process in Colombia, where sanctions were slow to be lifted even after significant peace agreements, underscoring the prolonged and often obstructive nature of sanction policies.

Risks Associated with the New Rebel Leadership

[07:20] While advocating for the removal of sanctions to aid Syria’s recovery, Stockman also addresses the uncertainties surrounding the new rebel groups in power:
*"The rebel group that swept Syria is once an ally of Al Qaeda, although it has broken ties, but there was one time that it was a terrorist group, and so it's still under terrorism sanctions."
[07:20]

Concerns persist about the group’s potential trajectory, questioning whether they can lead Syria towards modernization and inclusivity or revert to extremist tendencies akin to the Taliban or Muslim Brotherhood.

Regional Implications and Acceptance

[07:50] The regional dynamics play a crucial role in Syria’s future stability. Stockman raises questions about the acceptance of the new leadership by neighboring Gulf monarchies:
*"If you're a king of Saudi Arabia or Jordan, you might not love a group of people who just deposed somebody that was like a king."
[07:50]

The hesitance of regional powers to embrace the new Syrian leadership could hinder Syria's path to peace and integration within the Middle East.

US Administrative Approaches: Biden vs. Trump

[08:10] Stockman contrasts the approaches of different US administrations towards Syria. He notes the Biden administration’s commitment to supporting regional allies and preventing the spillover of Syrian instability:
*"The Biden administration has indicated that it's going to support our allies in the region to make sure that Syria doesn't spill over and have negative effects on them."
[08:10]

Conversely, he critiques the Trump administration’s stance, which appears less engaged:
*"Donald Trump has indicated that he doesn't see this as our fight."
[08:10]

Stockman underscores the paradox of US sanctions, arguing that they inadvertently entangle the US in Syria’s internal issues by restricting legitimate economic investments:
*"When our laws are preventing investment in a country that's involved, right? If you truly wanted to say we don't have a dog in this fight, then just remove your impediments and go."
[08:10]

Conclusion: A Call for Policy Reevaluation

In his concluding remarks, Faris Stockman makes a compelling case for the United States to reassess its sanction policies towards Syria. He posits that lifting sanctions is not only beneficial for the Syrian populace but also a strategic move towards fostering stability in the Middle East:
*"I believe that removing sanctions is the right thing for the Syrian people."
[07:15]

He acknowledges the political risks but emphasizes the urgent need for policies that support reconstruction and peace in post-Assad Syria.

Production Credits:

The episode is produced by Derek Arthur, Sophia Alvarez, Boyd Bishaka Derba, Phoebe Lett, Christina Samulewski, and Gillian Weinberger. Edited by Kari Pitkin, Alison Brusek, and Annie Rose Strasser, with engineering, mixing, and original music by Isaac Jones, Sonia Herrero, Pat McCusker, Carol Sabaro, and Afim Shapiro. Additional music by Amin Sohota. The Fact Check team includes Kate Sinclair, Mary Marge Locker, and Michelle Harris. Audience strategy handled by Shannon Busta, Christina Samulewski, and Adrian Rivera. Executive Producer of Times Opinion Audio is Annie Rose Dresser.

This episode of The Opinions offers a thorough analysis of the complex interplay between US foreign policy and Syria's prospects for peace and reconstruction. Faris Stockman's insights highlight the urgent need for policy adjustments to support the Syrian people's path towards stability and prosperity.