As the US moves to lift some restrictions on the Syria's fragile new government, Australia will have to consider whether it wants closer ties with a group it has labelled as terrorists.

According to Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australia has enforced autonomous sanctions since 2011 in response to the Assad regime’s “deeply disturbing and unacceptable use of violence against its people”.

These sanctions prohibit the direct or indirect supply, sale, or transfer of arms and technology related to energy power plants to Syria and also make it illegal to import certain fuel and oil products, among other trade restrictions.

Several persons are also sanctioned, meaning it is prohibited to directly or indirectly make an asset available to them.

  • Gorgritch_Umie_KillaEnglish
    7·
    9 hours ago

    Morally they have to be given a chance, not for them, but for the millions who may now have a chance for a more peaceful life.

    Australia’s relatively normal practice waiting for the US to decide and following along can be dropped with the new administration.

    Theres no evidence that this practice would be appreciated by the incoming administration. In fact its probably more likely to be sneered at by them. Better to formulate policy in line with what is best for Australia’s interests now, that being a ‘stable and freer world’.