Syriaâs path to normalization faces hurdles as U.S. and EU ease longstanding restrictions
The EU and U.S. are gradually easing news restrictions on Syria, signaling a shift towards normalization. However, Israel remains a complex issue, and the Syrian leadership is pursuing deescalation and containment strategies.
The EU and U.S. have relaxed most news restrictions on Syria, with the U.S. revising its sanctions framework. This move signals a gradual shift towards normalization, despite major legislative hurdles. Meanwhile, the situation with Israel remains tense. Neither side views military escalation as a viable option, but Israel suspects any unified, assertive neighbor, especially those backed by Ankara.
New regional relationships are emerging, with Turkish and Gulf cooperation supporting President Ahmad al-Sharaa under U.S. oversight. The Syrian leadership is managing internal affairs through deescalation and containment, particularly with the Kurdish SDF and in coastal and Suwayda regions. Both Syria and its neighbors share an interest in curbing Iran's influence.
Tom Barrack, the U.S. special envoy for Syria, plays a crucial role in stabilizing the country. He advocates for normalized relations with the new regime and serves as the U.S. ambassador to Turkey. After the Assad regime's ousting, Israel launched precision strikes and expanded its military footprint in Syria. The downfall of Bashar al-Assad has reshaped Syria's regional role, ending Iranian dominance and starting a new contest to redraw its geopolitical map.
The EU and U.S. are easing news restrictions on Syria, signaling a shift towards normalization. However, Israel remains a complex issue. The Syrian leadership is pursuing deescalation and containment strategies, with a top priority of regaining political and economic legitimacy under a Turkish-Saudi umbrella. President Ahmad al-Sharaa is set to appear before the UN General Assembly and meet with President Trump.
