On 26 January 2025, our Director Luigi Narbone, interviewed by Sara Fayyad, appeared on BBC News Arabic to discuss the evolution of Western sanctions on Syria, from the Hindawi affair to the Caesar Act, contributing to the broader debate on how Syria can navigate its complex post-conflict recovery.

In his remarks, Narbone emphasized how the sanctions imposed post-2011 have deeply impacted Syria’s economy, isolating it from global financial systems and contributing to inflation and currency devaluation.

He also highlighted the difficult balance the European Union faces—due to the uncertainties about the political direction on the new leadership and the need to foster conditions for Syria’s reconstruction and the return of displaced populations.

With the recent developments in the country, Prof. Narbone pointed to two potential paths forward: substantial foreign aid, which however faces global competition from numerous crisis hotspots, or easing sanctions to attract investment—though the persistence of the Caesar Act poses a major challenge.

The interview is available in Arabic.