US unlikely to lift sanctions on Syria even after Assad's ouster; here's why

Republican and Democratic senators signalled it is too early to consider lifting sanctions on Syria following the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad, a sign that Washington remains cautious towards the war-torn country.

“We’re all really happy that Assad is gone,” said Sen. Jim Risch, the top Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, in an interview. “We worked at it for a long, long time, and the job is done. The problem is, what comes next?”

Last week, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group designated as a terrorist organisation by the US and the United Nations, seized control of Syria. While HTS leaders have made overtures about unity and human rights, Risch said there was a need for careful observation of their actions before any policy shifts.

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Risch, who will assume the foreign relations chair in January when Republicans take control of the Senate, pointed out that navigating US policy toward a regime led by a group with a history of terrorist ties was complicated.

President-elect Donald Trump, set to take office on January 20, has voiced opposition to US involvement in the Syrian conflict. Advocates for lifting sanctions argue that easing restrictions could spur economic development and help the new regime rebuild. However, skeptics warn that removing sanctions prematurely could undermine human rights and jeopardise minority groups.

Sanctions to remain

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), passed by the House on Wednesday (December 11), includes an extension of the “Caesar sanctions” until 2029. These sanctions penalise entities conducting business in Syria or with Russian and Iranian actors operating there.

The Senate is expected to approve the legislation next week, and President Joe Biden is anticipated to sign it into law.

Despite some calls to ease sanctions, most lawmakers remain steadfast in their opposition, citing the risks of empowering a regime with questionable human rights practices.

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With inputs from Reuters