U.S. Eases Restrictions for Humanitarian Aid to Syria

The U.S. plans to ease restrictions on humanitarian aid to Syria, signaling goodwill to its new rulers while keeping sanctions. Biden's administration aims to improve Syrian living conditions, with discussions ongoing with HTS, despite its terrorist designation. Treasury waivers will facilitate aid such as water and electricity.

The United States is preparing to relax certain restrictions on delivering humanitarian aid and essential services like electricity to Syria, according to sources familiar with the situation who spoke to Reuters. The decision, made by the outgoing Biden administration, is intended as a gesture of goodwill to Syria's new Islamist government, aiming to enhance living conditions in the beleaguered nation while retaining U.S. influence.

A representative from the U.S. Treasury has not yet commented on the situation. However, U.S. officials have held multiple discussions with members of the ruling administration, dominated by the formerly Al Qaeda-affiliated Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), following a rapid rebel advance that dethroned the Assad family's long-standing rule on December 8.

Despite the U.S. maintaining HTS's classification as a terrorist organization, it seeks cooperation on issues like counterterrorism and forming an inclusive government. The Wall Street Journal reported that the Biden administration approved aid restriction easements, allowing the Treasury to grant waivers for organizations and companies providing vital resources such as water and electricity.

(With inputs from agencies.)