The current relationship between Syria and the West cripples any real prospect for reconstruction. Western sanctions on reconstruction as a political tool aimed at the regime, have wide-ranging negative impacts on the civilian population – while having little hope of political success. For agriculture the repercussions of sanctions on reconstruction are severe, affecting refugee returns, livelihood recovery, food security and stabilization. This article examines the priority dilemma of sanctions on agricultural reconstruction, and argues that they are counterproductive, particularly given that the war is now larger and more problematic than what a reformed government’s relationship with civil society could resolve.