U.S. Administration Submits Proposal To End UN Sanctions on Syria

Latest Developments

• Sharaa Heading to Washington: The United States has drafted a proposal to the UN Security Council to lift sanctions on Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab. The sanctions include a travel ban, an asset freeze, and an arms embargo. The move comes ahead of Sharaa’s planned November 10 meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House. While a vote has not yet been scheduled, the resolution would need to be approved by nine out of 15 Security Council members without a veto from one of the permanent five members.
• Sanctioned for Al-Qaeda Connections: Both Sharaa and Khattab were named in a list of terrorists sanctioned under UN Security Council Resolution 1267, which targets members of ISIS and al-Qaeda. Sharaa previously served as commander of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) — a terrorist group formerly named al-Nusra Front, which was affiliated with al-Qaeda — in which Khattab served as his deputy commander. Trump praised Sharaa — once the subject of a $10 million bounty — following two previous meetings, calling him a “fighter” and “a real leader” who had “a real shot at holding [Syria] together.” In June, the State Department lifted its sanctions on Syria before revoking its sanctions designation of HTS in July.
• Anti-ISIS Coalition: U.S. special envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack signaled that Sharaa will likely sign an agreement to join a U.S.-led global coalition to defeat ISIS. Sharaa is also expected to discuss the reconstruction of Syria after the country’s devastating civil war. In September, Sharaa became the first Syrian president in almost 60 years to address the UN General Assembly.

FDD Expert Response

“I used to administer the UN sanctions regime under which Sharaa and his ANF/HTS associates are designated. Usually, the process of delisting is complicated by disagreements among the 15 members of the relevant committee. However, in this case, the international race to court the new Syrian authorities means that the process in New York will probably go smoothly. It is important to aim for concrete returns, for example, in the form of a security agreement with Israel. Pressure will likely be needed in the future to keep the new Syria on the right path, which means we must not give up our leverage on Sharaa too easily.” — Edmund Fitton-Brown, Senior Fellow

“President Trump gave Syrians an opportunity in May by lifting most sanctions on the country. But to ensure lasting stability, the United States must set clear benchmarks for Sharaa, particularly on counterterrorism and political inclusivity. Without such conditions, Syria risks sliding back into civil war, opening the door for Iran to regain influence and for ISIS to reemerge.” — Ahmad Sharawi, Research Analyst

FDD Background and Analysis

“Will Syria’s New President Live Up to the World’s Hope? The Signs Aren’t Good,” by Hussain Abdul-Hussain

“The New Syrian Regime’s Dilemma,” by Carey Abramson and David Adesnik

“Syria’s new president shows progress, but will he hold firm to his promises of peace?” by Ahmad Sharawi

“Syrian integration in focus as Syrian President Sharaa speaks at UN,” by Seth J. Frantzman