Senator Shaheen Meets Syria’s al-Sharaa, SDF Chief Abdi on integration

By Saad al-Yaziji

DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D–NH), ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, led a bipartisan delegation to Damascus on Monday, meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Commander General Mazloum Abdi.

In her meeting with President al-Sharaa, Senator Shaheen praised the improvement in Syria’s security situation, underscored the importance of inclusive governance, and highlighted U.S. legislation aimed at easing Caesar Act sanctions—conditional on democratic progress. The session also included talks with other officials, including the Labor and Social Affairs Minister.

Senator Shaheen also met with General Mazloum Abdi to reaffirm U.S. support for the Kurdish-led SDF. She discussed the pathway to integrating SDF elements into the Syrian Armed Forces—an initiative aimed at strengthening national unity.

The visit was conducted alongside U.S. Special Envoy Thomas Barrack, who met with President al-Sharaa to discuss security and political matters in Syria and the broader region.

In addition, Shaheen met with Minister of Social Affairs Hind Qubawat to discuss the role of civil society and national reconciliation efforts. She also participated in a peace and dialogue conference held at a Christian monastery, meeting religious leaders from various ethnic and religious communities, as well as civil society representatives and intellectuals, emphasizing the need to build a democratic Syria that respects the rights of all its citizens.

The delegation’s visit underscores ongoing U.S. engagement in Syria and the administration’s continued support for inclusive governance and the integration of regional security forces into national structures.