Blocking Property of the Government of Syria and Prohibiting Transactions

Aug 22, 2011

Summary

Stops all U.S. persons from doing business with the Syrian government and freezes any of its property in the United States.

What problem does this solve?

The Syrian government continued to use violence against its people, which the U.S. considered a national emergency. This order applies economic pressure by freezing Syrian government property in the U.S. and stopping Americans from doing business with Syria.

What does this order do?

Blocks all Syrian government property

Freezes all property and interests in property of the Government of Syria that are in the U.S. or come under the control of U.S. persons.

Bans new investment in Syria

Forbids any U.S. person, no matter where they are located, from making new investments in Syria.

Prohibits importing Syrian oil

Bans the importation of petroleum or petroleum products that come from Syria into the United States.

Bans providing services to Syria

Stops U.S. persons from exporting, selling, or supplying any services to Syria, directly or indirectly.

Sanctions those who support the Syrian government

Blocks the property of any person found to be helping or supporting the Syrian government or others who are already sanctioned.

Who does this affect?

Government of Syria
U.S. persons and companies with business in Syria
Foreign persons doing business with Syria

What is the real world impact?

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Applies economic pressure on the Syrian government

Aims to stop the Syrian government's violence against its people by cutting off its access to U.S. financial systems and trade, particularly in oil.

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Impacts international business and foreign relations

Extends prohibitions to U.S. persons anywhere in the world and penalizes foreign persons who facilitate transactions, potentially creating friction with other countries and international companies.

When does this start?

This order becomes effective at 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on August 18, 2011.