Congress Unveils Proposal To Repeal Syria Sanctions as Syria-Israel Tensions Continue

Latest Developments

Repeal Likely to Pass: Congress is likely to repeal economic sanctions on Syria enshrined in the 2019 Caesar Act in the coming weeks, unveiling language for its repeal within the 3,000-page National Defense Authorization Act. The provision requires regular reports to Congress from the White House certifying that Syria’s government is combating ISIS, excluding foreign fighters from government roles, “upholding religious and ethnic rights within the country, and not taking unilateral, unprovoked military action against its neighbors, including Israel.” President Donald Trump promised to lift U.S. economic sanctions on Syria after meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in May, already revoking several measures through an executive order on June 30.
Syrians Celebrate Anniversary of Regime Change: On December 8, Syrians celebrated the anniversary of the ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad by the Sharaa-led Hayat Tahrir al-Shams forces with fireworks and military parades. Sharaa said in a speech that the day marked “a permanent departure from the era of despotism and tyranny, ushering in a bright new dawn … founded on justice, benevolence … and peaceful coexistence.” Despite his calls for peace, videos of Syrian army troops marching through Damascus showed them chanting, “Oh Gaza, we’re with you till death” and “Khaybar, Khaybar, Ya Yahud,” referring to the defeat of the Jews of Khaybar by the Prophet Muhammad’s army in 628 CE.
Tensions With IDF in Southern Syria: At least two Syrians were reportedly injured by IDF gunfire on December 9 near the southwestern Syrian village of Khan Arnaba after an altercation with Israeli troops. Despite the IDF presence, Syrian General Security forces later entered the area without incident. The IDF took control of a UN-established buffer zone on the border with Israel after Assad’s ouster to ensure that terrorist groups do not exploit Syria’s power vacuum to establish themselves on Israel’s border and threaten Israel. The IDF’s presence in southern Syria has been a source of tension between Jerusalem and Damascus, with Sharaa stating, “Israel has become a country that is in a fight against ghosts.”

FDD Expert Response

“The fall of the Assad regime remains a cause for unmitigated celebration. The insurgents ousted a corrupt butcher and client of Tehran who brought nothing but misery. Yet while Syria is rid of Assad, it is far from clear that Syria is free. The government does not answer to the people. There have been two atrocious ethnic massacres, both perpetrated in part by government forces and allied militias whose ranks include Islamist extremists. Dangerous times still lie ahead.” — David Adesnik, Vice President of Research

“The real test for Ahmad al-Sharaa will come after Congress removes the Caesar Act sanctions. The key question is whether he will remain true to his promises of moderation, bringing stability, and alignment with U.S. interests, or revert to his past behavior. While the sanctions repeal is not tied to conditions, the United States has retained six key provisions that preserve its leverage. These provisions ensure that Washington still has tools if Syria fails to meet the required conditions, meaning that the new Syrian government does not receive a clean slate with the repeal of the sanctions.” — Ahmad Sharawi, Research Analyst