I believe the West is clearly opting for weaponizing sanctions meant for the crimes of the Assad regime to strong-arm Damascus on extraneous issues: the fate of Russian interests, EEZ demarcation with Turkey, Syria-transition issues, and soon with Trump, perhaps, bowing to Israel. This is not only unjust—it is a blatant violation of international law: sanctions imposed for the crimes of a bygone regime should not outlive it. Injustices like these give rise to extremism and enmity toward the West, so don't act surprised if Syria regressed down that path again. From Libya to Iraq and Myanmar, sanctions often outlive their stated purpose. Syria will by no means be a special case.