Qatar holds back financial support to Syria over U.S. sanctions concerns
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Qatar refrained from providing financial aid to Syria’s caretaker government due to concerns over violating U.S. sanctions, Reuters reported on Wednesday.
Reuters cited four sources as saying that Qatar is reluctant to fund public sector salary increase amid uncertainty over whether the transfers would breach U.S. sanctions.
The delay in implementing Qatar’s financial assistance plan underscores the significant challenges facing Syria’s “Islamist authorities” as they strive to stabilize the divided nation and gain international legitimacy, Reuters noted.
The sources told Reuters that Qatar is reportedly waiting for clearer policy direction from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Damascus.
A separate source said that while Qatar has not financed public sector salaries, it has sent two shipments of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to help alleviate Syria’s severe energy crisis.