Two US Senators Introduce Bill to Repeal Caesar Act to Support Stability in Syria

Democratic Senator Jean Shaheen (a prominent member of the Foreign Relations Committee) and Republican Rand Paul, members of the US Senate, have introduced a new bill aimed at repealing the "Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act" issued in 2019, considering that the economic sanctions imposed under it have become a hindrance to stability and reconstruction in Syria.

In a joint statement published on the Foreign Relations Committee website, the senators stated: "The bill reflects a growing recognition that the Caesar Act, while successful in isolating the Assad regime, has now become a threat to stability, reconstruction, and democratic transition in Syria". The statement added that the repeal would end broad economic sanctions while "keeping US tools in place to hold Syrian officials accountable".

Senator Shaheen expressed her support for the bill, saying: "The Syrian people have a historic opportunity today to shape a new chapter for their country and the region as a whole", pointing out the suffering of Syrians from "the brutal Assad dictatorship that ruled with an iron fist supported by Iran and Russia". She also affirmed her support for the efforts of the US Special Envoy to Syria, Tom Barak, in promoting democracy and stability.

Senator Paul, on the other hand, highlighted his long-standing opposition to comprehensive sanctions, stating: "I have always opposed comprehensive sanctions that harm innocents more than they impact regimes". He considered that the law "ended up punishing ordinary Syrians, increased poverty, hindered recovery efforts, and prevented progress towards peace", emphasizing that its repeal represents a "step towards a more balanced and principled approach".

This bill comes months after President Donald Trump announced on May 13 the lifting of sanctions imposed on Syria, a move seen as the beginning of a change in US policy towards the Syrian crisis.