New legislation advancing through Congress highlights how US policymakers are attempting to shape Syria’s political and security trajectory through a combination of incentives and conditions. According to North Press, the Senate Armed Services Committee recently approved a defense authorization bill tying any future US defense support for the Syria to concrete steps aimed at “disarming ‘foreign fighters’ and ‘jihadist elements’” operating within Syria.
The provision places one of the most sensitive issues facing Damascus at the center of future relations with Washington. Since the fall of the Assad government, questions surrounding the status of transnational volunteers who participated in military operations alongside Syrian revolutionary factions has remained a source of international scrutiny.
By linking assistance to their disarmament, lawmakers are signaling future security cooperation will depend on the government’s ability to consolidate military authority under state institutions. The bill also carries implications for northeastern Syria and the future of US partnerships with Kurdish-led forces.
The measure comes amid ongoing discussions over the integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into Syria’s emerging national security framework. While the legislation does not directly address integration, continued congressional support for Kurdish security partners suggests Washington intends to maintain a role in shaping the future of anti-ISIS operations and security arrangements involving former SDF partner forces.
The legislation remains part of a broader defense authorization package that must complete several additional stages in Congress before becoming law. Earlier this month provisions in Defense Department budget stressed the need to monitor Russian presence in Syria and use and activities of Russian bases in the country.
Push to Repeal Sanctions-Era Laws
At the same time, lawmakers on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee are preparing to consider legislation repealing the Syria Accountability Act of 2003 and the Syria Accountability Act of 2012. According to Muhammad Alaa Ghanem, head of political affairs at the Syrian-American Council, the bipartisan bill has support from both Republican and Democratic senators.
In a statement posted on X, Ghanem said the legislation aims to permanently remove the legal foundation for sanctions imposed during the Assad era. “The effort to repeal the two laws came in anticipation of any future change in the political climate in Washington,” Ghanem said, arguing that legislative repeal would prevent the anti-Assad restrictions from being reactivated later.
Although many provisions have effectively been suspended through Treasury Department licenses and other executive actions, both laws remain on the books. The 2003 law established a broad framework for sanctions against Damascus, while the 2012 legislation expanded authorities targeting officials accused of human rights abuses and entities linked to surveillance and repression.
Economic Recovery at the Center
Supporters of repeal argue removing the statutes would provide greater legal certainty for businesses and investors interested in Syria. Repealing the laws would not shield individuals accused of crimes or violations. Instead, he said, it would eliminate sanctions aimed at Syrian state institutions during the rule of the ousted regime.
Abdurahman argued such a move could encourage trade, investment and economic activity by reducing concerns that sanctions could return through future policy changes. Those arguments have gained traction amid broader efforts by Washington to encourage economic engagement with Syria. On May 22, the US State Department released an Investor Guide promoting opportunities in sectors including energy, telecommunications, real estate and banking.
Terrorism Designation Remains a Hurdle
Despite those efforts, some analysts argue the largest obstacle to reconstruction remains Syria’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. A recent analysis published by Lawfare contends while sanctions have been eased, the designation continues to create significant legal and financial barriers for international investment. The designation, first imposed in 1979, carries restrictions on financial transactions, exports and access to American markets.
The analysis posits the designation no longer reflects current political realities following the fall of Assad, warning continued restrictions could undermine reconstruction efforts. It also notes court judgments against Syria, related to the former regime’s actions, exceed $31 billion, with additional cases pending.
For now, both sanctions repeal efforts and broader questions surrounding Syria’s legal status remain subject to congressional debate. The outcome could help determine whether Washington’s Syria policy continues to prioritize restrictions or shifts toward facilitating economic recovery while maintaining security conditions.
