Damascus launches diplomatic outreach to end restrictions.
The United Nations says that seven out of 10 Syrians need humanitarian aid after 13 years of war.
And about $500bn is needed to rebuild the country.
Syria's new administration has engaged in diplomacy in the past two weeks to urge Western powers to quickly lift sanctions imposed during Bashar al-Assad's rule.
But these governments want to see progress towards inclusive and democratic governance in Syria.
Concerns are growing that the euphoria following the fall of al-Assad could give way to oppression and violence if the process is delayed.
Will the West be ready to lift sanctions – and quickly?
And can Syria's new rulers make the changes needed to win the confidence of world powers?
Presenter: Nea Barker
Guests:
Ammar Kahf – Executive Director of the Omran Center for Strategic Studies
Hind Kabawat – director of interfaith peacebuilding at the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution at George Mason University
Fadi Dayoub – executive director of Local Development and Small Projects Support, a Syrian NGO
