|
DAMASCUS, June 18-- The new set of U.S. sanctions under the so-called Caesar Act aims to change the behavior of the Syrian government, not the downfall of the administration of President Bashar al-Assad, an expert said. On Wednesday, the United States announced massive sanctions against Syria, in an effort to further deprive the revenue of the Syrian government. The latest sanctions involve 39 individuals and entities including President al-Assad and his wife, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced in a statement. Pompeo alleged that designated people and companies "played a key role in obstructing a peaceful political solution to the conflict." "Anyone doing business with the Assad regime, no matter where in the world they are, is potentially exposed to travel restrictions and financial sanctions," the statement said. The statement noted that Wednesday's action was the beginning of a sustained campaign of economic and political pressure against Syria. Maher Ihsan, a political expert, told Xinhua that the sanctions aim to twist the arm of the Syrian government into accepting the conditions of the U.S. administration. "They are trying to economically squeeze the government to achieve what they couldn't do through war," he said. The new U.S. measures come with an "option key" that is left for the Syrian government in case it wants the sanctions removed. Section 401 of the Caesar Bill outlines six requirements to lift U.S. sanctions on Syria such as ending the alleged aircraft bombing of civilians. | 
