📰 U.S. senior senators welcome new phase in ties with Syria

QAMISHLI, syria (North Press) – Two senior members of the U. S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee stated on Tuesday that Syria is becoming a “U. S. partner,” following a meeting with syrian Transitional leader Ahmad al-Sharaa at the U. S.

Capitol — the first of its kind since Damascus formally joined the Global Coalition against the Islamic State (ISIS). In a joint statement, Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Jim Risch (R-ID), chair and ranking member of the committee, stated they were pleased to welcome al-Sharaa to Washington to discuss the future of U. S. Notably, -Syria relations. Furthermore, they reaffirmed their backing for a “stable, representative and prosperous Syria,” emphasizing the repeal of Caesar Act sanctions, protection for all Syrian communities, and constructive engagement with regional neighbors, including Israel.

The senators said al-Sharaa had pledged full cooperation in the fight against ISIS, which they described as a “U. Additionally, s. national security interest,” while they urged him to “free Syria of Russian and Iranian influence. ” They also stressed that Congress would continue to monitor Syria’s efforts to dismantle remaining chemical weapons and eliminate narcotics such as Captagon and methamphetamine, which have spread across the Middle East in latest years. The statement further noted that U. S. lawmakers would continue efforts to locate and return Americans detained under the Assad regime, including journalist Austin Tice, declaring: “We will not rest until every American is found and brought home. ” The senators added that under al-Sharaa’s leadership, the Syrian administration “is becoming a U. S. partner,” and expressed readiness to strengthen bilateral ties.

They also linked the developing relationship to pending bipartisan legislation in Congress that would fully repeal the Assad-era Caesar Act sanctions, noting that “the world is watching how Syria treats its own people and its neighbors. ” “If Syria continues on its current trajectory,” they said, “we have no doubt policymakers and investors alike will have confidence about Syria’s future. ” The meeting comes amid a significant diplomatic shift following Syria’s accession to the U. S. -led Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS — a move that marked a turning point in Washington’s policy toward Damascus. The Coalition, long partnered with the Syrian Democratic troops (sdf) in northeastern Syria, has recently expanded coordination with the emerging Syrian administration to prevent ISIS resurgence and stabilize territories previously held by the group. The repeal of Caesar Act sanctions — imposed in 2020 to pressure Bashar al-Assad’s regime — has been at the center of latest discussions in Washington. Additionally, …