U.S. lawmakers’ visit to Damascus highlights divisions over Caesar Act
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – The recent visit of U.S. senators and representatives to Damascus reflects ongoing debates in Washington over the future of sanctions on Syria, Isaac Andakian, an expert in international crisis management, said on Wednesday.
Speaking to North Press, Andakian said the lawmakers’ meeting with Syrian Transitional President Ahmad al-Sharaa comes amid sharp divisions within Congress regarding whether to permanently repeal the Caesar Act or impose new conditions on Damascus.
Andekian, who is based in Washington, explained that under the U.S. Constitution, President Donald Trump can only suspend the sanctions for six months at a time. “We are already halfway through this period, meaning Congress must soon decide whether to lift the sanctions permanently or maintain them with additional requirements,” he noted.
He added that lawmakers remain split: some favor a full and unconditional repeal of the sanctions, while others insist on tying any move to progress on counterterrorism efforts and protections for ethnic and religious minorities.
Andakian also recalled a previous visit by Congressman Abraham Hamadeh to Damascus, during which al-Sharaa demanded the return of U.S. citizens killed in Syria, including an American in recent violence in Suwayda and aid worker Kayla Mueller, murdered by ISIS in 2015. The Syrian president also raised the issue of missing journalist Austin Tice.
“There are still many unresolved issues between Washington and Damascus,” Andakian said. “But I believe the process is on the right track. Yesterday’s visit was a continuation of these efforts — a way to gauge Damascus’ seriousness in addressing pending matters and implementing agreements — ahead of any final decision on lifting sanctions.”
On Tuesday, the Syrian president met with Senators Markwayne Mullin and Joni Ernst, along with Representatives Jason Smith and Jimmy Panetta in Damascus.