U.S. Senate Committee Endorses Lifting Sanctions on Syria

The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee has voiced its support for lifting sanctions on Syria imposed under the Caesar Act, signaling a possible change in U.S. policy towards Damascus after years of economic and political isolation.

This position was articulated in a statement released on Tuesday following a meeting between committee chairman Jim Risch, Senator Jeanne Shaheen, and Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara during his recent visit to Washington. The statement highlighted the goal of fostering a "prosperous and stable Syria" through the easing of economic sanctions.

The committee's statement acknowledged the new Syrian government's commitment to combating ISIS and addressing issues related to chemical weapons and drugs left over from the regime of Bashar al-Assad. It emphasized that continued progress in these areas could bolster investor confidence and attract international support for Syria's future.

This announcement follows a recent decision by the U.S. Treasury Department to partially suspend certain sanctions under the Caesar Act for 180 days, indicating Washington's willingness to ease restrictions contingent on Syria's cooperation.

Enacted in 2019, the Caesar Act was designed to impose sanctions on individuals associated with the former regime for war crimes against civilians. However, its implementation has led to significant economic hardships for the Syrian population and critical sectors, including energy, construction, and banking.