Sanctions target backers of Islamic State and Assad regime
If they really wanted to stop the violence, the British government and the EU would give Syrians the weaponry they need to defend themselves from Assad, and then there could be meaningful negotiations about the ending of his rule. Still, better than nothing, and a million miles better than those who claim it is the sanctions on the régime and the support for the opposition that destabilises Syria.

“We have also agreed to target individuals supplying oil to the regime, including George Haswani, a middleman buying oil from [Islamic State] on behalf of the regime. This listing gives yet another indication that Assad’s ‘war’ on Isis is a sham and that he supports them financially.

These sanctions show that EU is united in its condemnation of Assad’s brutal policies. We will continue applying pressure to the regime until it reassesses its position, ends the violence and engages in meaningful negotiations with the moderate opposition.”