Prominent U.S. Congressman Supports Conditional Lifting of Sanctions on Syria
Republican Congressman Brian Mast, chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has shifted his stance on sanctions against Syria, prompting significant reactions within Syrian circles.
Mast, representing Florida, stated on Friday: "I will support the lifting of extensive sanctions imposed on Syria." However, he emphasized a crucial condition for this support, noting: "I want to establish a framework that reinstates sanctions if the Damascus government fails to meet certain conditions," according to "The Hill".
This announcement aligns with the current U.S. administration's approach, with Mast asserting that "his position does not contradict that of President Donald Trump's administration, which advocates for complete lifting." He elaborated on the legal complexities, stating: "Trump can only suspend sanctions for six months at a time, but full repeal must include mechanisms to reinstate sanctions if specific conditions are unmet." Nonetheless, he clarified that "the repeal will be comprehensive".
This development marks a significant shift for Mast, previously seen as a major opponent to the complete lifting of sanctions against Syria.
It is important to note that various diplomatic and political efforts have been made to advance the full repeal of sanctions, involving Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara, his congressional allies, as well as American and Syrian civil society activists, and the Syrian community in the U.S. These efforts gained momentum following al-Shara's success in toppling the Assad regime in December 2024.
Supporters of the repeal argue that "without fully lifting the sanctions, American companies and others worldwide will hesitate to invest in Syria for fear of violating U.S. sanctions."
Advocates of this approach have also raised humanitarian concerns, stating that "Caesar sanctions have made it difficult to ascertain the fate of Americans missing in Syria during the war."
