Canada has officially removed its designation of Syria as a state supporter of terrorism, marking a significant shift in its foreign policy concerning the war-torn nation. The decision comes on the heels of ongoing changes in the Syrian political landscape following the ousting of dictator Bashar Assad over a year ago.
Additionally, the Canadian government has delisted the group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) from its Criminal Code's list of terrorist entities. This move was announced late Friday afternoon in a news release from the federal government, which stated that “these decisions were not taken lightly.” The Canadian government indicated that its actions are aligned with the efforts of allied nations that are advocating for the establishment of a stable and inclusive transitional government in Syria.
In recent months, Canada had already taken steps towards easing its sanctions on Syria, with a temporary suspension initiated last winter. This was largely in response to mounting international pressure to unfreeze financial resources needed for Syria’s reconstruction, particularly after enduring over 13 years of devastating civil war. The humanitarian situation within the country remains dire, necessitating a comprehensive rebuilding effort.
Syria's interim government, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, has expressed aspirations to create a democratic nation that embraces the inclusion of women and ethnic minorities. However, this vision is complicated by ongoing sectarian violence and instability that has persisted since the fall of Assad, echoing the challenges of forming a cohesive national identity amid numerous factions and deep-rooted animosities.
Despite these recent changes in designation, Canada is maintaining targeted sanctions against 56 entities and 225 individuals linked to Syria. This list includes high-ranking officials from the former Assad regime whom Ottawa continues to hold accountable for their roles in the prolonged conflict and human rights violations. The commitment to uphold certain sanctions indicates that while Canada is open to modifying its stance towards groups like HTS and the interim government, it is simultaneously cautious about fully normalizing relations with Syria.
The Canadian government’s revised approach reflects a broader international trend towards diplomacy in the region, amidst discussions on how to achieve lasting peace and recovery for the war-torn country. By removing the terror listings, Canada aims to create avenues for dialogue and support for a governance structure that could stabilize Syria moving forward.
