Global Insider: Syria’s WTO Status

Last week, Syria obtained observer status in the WTO, an initial step toward full membership, in part because the U.S., EU and Israel abstained from the vote, but also due to vocal support from Egypt. The U.S. abstention came simultaneously with President Barack Obama’s decision to renew economic sanctions against Syria. In an e-mail interview, Joshua Landis, associate professor at the Middle East Center in the University of Oklahoma’s School of International and Area Studies, explained the significance of the two developments. WPR: What are the concrete effects of the U.S. sanctions on Syria’s economy? What are the concrete benefits […]