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Pressure on Syria Increases as Arab League Imposes Economic Sanctions
November 29, 2011
By: Mark Hsen | Printer Friendly

On November 27, the Arab League agreed to impose economic sanctions on Syria as a response to the government's deadly crackdown on the popular Syrian uprising, signaling Syria's growing isolation.  This unprecedented move against a member state is meant to sever most trade and investment from the Arab world.

While frequently seen as a mostly ceremonial body with no real powers, the Arab League has taken an active role in this crisis.  The sanctions come after a month of escalating warnings and ultimatums demanding President Bashar al-Assad to withdraw security forces, release political prisoners, and allow international observers and media to monitor developments.  Only two weeks ago, Syria was suspended from the Arab League.

According to Voice of America, the sanctions will include a travel ban on Syrian officials to Arab states, an end to Arab investment and trade in Syria, and a freeze on Syrian assets in Arab states.  The New York Times also reports an end to all commercial exchanges with the Syrian government, with the exception of important consumer goods. 

However, the 14 point plan depends on the participation of each member state.  While 19 of the 21 members agreed to the sanctions, Iraq and Lebanon did not support the sanctions.  Since these two nations are two of Syria's largest trading partners, significant gaps could develop in the effectiveness of the sanctions.

The sanctions will add on to existing sanctions by the West.  Analysts warn that these additional measures may still not adequately pressure Assad into compromise, but rather harm the general population instead.  The Syrian economy has been staggering after months of unrest and mounting sanctions from the United States and the European Union.  According to the New York Times, critical products such as heating oil and milk powder are now scarce.  Analysts also warn that transition could become increasingly complicated if certain sectors collapse.   

The Arab League plans to follow up within a week to evaluate the impacts of the sanctions and whether they should be prolonged.  Voice of America reports that the League wants to determine whether the sanctions are negatively impacting the Syrian people.   

The Syrian government has denounced the sanctions as a foreign attempt to topple the government and to break up the country.  It has maintained that Islamist extremists back by foreign powers are responsible for the continued popular unrest.  Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem has accused the Arab League of internationalizing Syria's crisis.    

The United Nations has reported that over 3500 people have been killed since March in connection with the uprising.  Both the United States and Germany have urged the United Nations Security Council to respond to the grave human rights abuses. 

For previous news on Syria, please see:
Mounting Pressures on Syria

Sources:
New York Times – Isolating Syria, Arab League Imposes Broad Sanctions

Wall Street Journal – Arab League to Punish Syria

Washington Post – Arab League approves sanctions against Syria

Voice of America – Syria Mulls Response to Arab League Sanctions

Voice of America – Arab League Approves Sanctions against Syria