The US Congress is expected to vote today, Wednesday, on a final amendment that would repeal the ‘Caesar Act,’ effectively lifting US sanctions on Syria permanently before Christmas. The measure is embedded within the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and mandates a periodic review of the Syrian government’s conduct.
According to the draft document, the lifting of sanctions is contingent upon specific conditions. The US President is required to submit an initial report to congressional committees within 90 days, followed by subsequent reports every 180 days for a period of four years.
The draft stipulates that Syria must demonstrate tangible steps toward combating terrorist organizations, respecting the rights of minorities, refraining from unilateral military action against neighboring countries, combating money laundering and terrorism financing, prosecuting crimes against humanity committed under the former regime, and combating drug production.
The document further states that if these conditions are not met during two consecutive reporting periods, the sanctions may be reimposed. The US Treasury Department previously announced a 180-day suspension of certain sanctions on Syria under the Caesar Act on November 10th.
The Caesar Act, passed by the US Congress in December 2019, aimed to penalize key figures within the Assad regime for war crimes committed against civilians in Syria. The repeal of the Act would pave the way for the return of foreign investment and aid to support the new Syrian government, led by President Ahmed al-Shara, which was established in March 2025.
The US sanctions have been a significant obstacle to the recovery of the Syrian economy. Their removal is seen as a testament to the progress made by the new Syrian government. The 2019 Caesar Act imposed broad sanctions on Syria, targeting individuals, companies, and institutions associated with the Assad regime, which ruled Syria from 2000 until 2024.
DZWatch will continue to monitor this developing story. Stay tuned for updates.
