The UK has lifted sanctions on 24 Syrian entities, including the central bank, in a landmark move that could be a turning point for Syria’s devastated economy. Britain has become the first country to unfreeze all assets of the Central Bank of Syria. The state airline and state-owned oil companies are amongst other previously sanctioned entities removed from the sanctions list on Thursday afternoon. “This approach underscores our commitment to help the people of Syria rebuild their country and economy, including through support for a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political transition process,” a UK government spokesperson said.  “We will continue to judge Syria’s interim authorities by their actions, not their words.” The new Syrian government inherited a daunting economic crisis from Bashar al-Assad’s government, which was toppled in December. Government corruption, devastating conflict and crippling international sanctions all contributed to wrecking Syria’s economy under Assad. According to the UN, nine out of 10 Syrians live in poverty. On December 17, interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa [al-Qaeda name: Abu Mohammad al-Jolani] urged Britain and other countries to lift all the sanctions that had been imposed on the country under Assad. “They should lift all restrictions which were imposed on the flogger and the victim. The flogger is gone now. This issue is not […]