Fact Check: The U.S. has imposed sanctions on Syria since 1979.

Fact Check: "The U.S. has imposed sanctions on Syria since 1979."

What We Know

The claim that the U.S. has imposed sanctions on Syria since 1979 is accurate. Syria was designated a State Sponsor of Terrorism by the U.S. government in December 1979, which initiated a series of sanctions that have evolved over the years. These sanctions included restrictions on foreign assistance, a ban on defense exports, and limitations on economic transactions with Syria (U.S. Department of State, State.gov).

In 2004, additional sanctions were implemented through Executive Order 13338, which was part of the Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act. This act aimed to impose further restrictions on Syria due to its continued support for terrorism and its involvement in the Lebanese civil war (Wikipedia, AP News).

Since the onset of the Syrian civil war in 2011, the U.S. has intensified its sanctions, targeting individuals and entities associated with the Syrian government, particularly those involved in human rights abuses (U.S. Department of State, Wikipedia).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim is robust and well-documented across multiple credible sources. The U.S. Department of State provides a comprehensive overview of the sanctions imposed on Syria, confirming the initial designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism in 1979 and detailing subsequent sanctions enacted over the decades (U.S. Department of State).

Wikipedia entries on international sanctions against Syria and U.S.-Syria relations corroborate this timeline, noting that Syria remains on the U.S. list of State Sponsors of Terrorism to this day, primarily due to its support for groups like Hezbollah and its involvement in regional conflicts (Wikipedia, Wikipedia).

Additionally, reports from AP News and TRT World provide context for the sanctions, explaining their origins and the rationale behind them, including Syria's military actions in Lebanon and its alliances with terrorist organizations (AP News, TRT World).

The sources used are credible, with the U.S. Department of State being an official government body, and the Wikipedia entries being well-researched and frequently updated. However, it is important to note that while Wikipedia can be a good starting point, it should be cross-referenced with primary sources for academic rigor.

Conclusion

Verdict: True. The claim that the U.S. has imposed sanctions on Syria since 1979 is substantiated by multiple reliable sources, including official government documentation and reputable news articles. The sanctions have evolved over time in response to Syria's actions and policies, but their origins trace back to the late 1970s.

Fact Check: The U.S. has imposed sanctions on Syria since 1979.