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Report: Security Council Granted Ahmad al-Sharaa Exemptions from International Travel Ban
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The continued inclusion of Ahmad al-Sharaa on international sanctions lists despite being granted travel exemptions reflects the reality of incomplete international recognition and persistent doubts a

A report issued by a specialized committee of the UN Security Council revealed that exceptional exemptions from the travel ban were granted to interim transitional President Ahmad al-Sharaa (previously known as Abu Muhammad al-Jolani) and current Interior Minister Anas Khattab, despite their continued inclusion on international sanctions lists related to ISIS and Al-Qaeda organizations.
Official documents showed that the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011), and 2253 (2015) concerning counter-terrorism, approved on April 11, 2025, granting al-Sharaa an exemption from the travel ban to visit Turkey to participate in the Antalya Diplomatic Forum to discuss "urgent needs for stability and humanitarian assistance in Syria."
The same committee granted another exemption to al-Sharaa to visit the United Arab Emirates on April 13, 2025, with the aim of "participating in meetings related to regional security, stability, and reconciliation," according to official documents.
Analysts point out that al-Sharaa's continued classification on international terrorism lists and his need to obtain special exemptions for travel reflects ongoing international doubts about his past and previous affiliations with extremist organizations, despite his attempts to present himself as a moderate political leader.
These exceptional exemptions raise questions about the double standards in international dealings with the Syrian file, as the official text of the exemption shows the continued linking of al-Sharaa's name to the sanctions list related to ISIS and Al-Qaeda (QDi.317), while simultaneously granting him diplomatic facilities to move outside Syria and participate in international forums.
Experts in Syrian affairs view these exemptions as an attempt to test the extent of al-Sharaa's commitment to the pledges he made to the international community, at a time when indicators continue to raise doubts about the practices of Syria's interim caretaker government on the ground, especially regarding dealing with different societal components and ensuring basic freedoms.
Analysts believe that these exemptions represent an indicator of the international community's hesitation toward the new Syrian situation, as positions range between conditional openness and continued caution regarding the current leadership's past and affiliations.
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BENEFIT AGM approves 10%...
- March 27, 2025
BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).
Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.
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