Proposal to suspend “Caesar” sanctions on transitional government with strict conditions

U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Chris Van Hollen have introduced an amendment to suspend the sanctions imposed on Syria under the "Caesar Act," a step likely to gain approval given the public backing of President Donald Trump, which is expected to secure the support of the majority of Republicans in Congress.

The amendment stipulates that the suspension will not be unconditional but contingent on a set of strict commitments imposed on the Transitional Government and subject to periodic monitoring.

These commitments include: officially joining the international coalition against ISIS; committing to fight “terrorism”; protecting the rights of religious and ethnic communities and ensuring their political participation; maintaining peaceful relations with regional countries, including Israel; ceasing support for or sheltering groups classified as “terrorist”; removing foreign fighters from state and security institutions; and holding accountable those responsible for crimes and violations since December 2024, especially against religious communities.

According to the proposal, the U.S. President must submit a report to Congress every 120 days assessing Damascus’s compliance with these conditions. Should Syria fail to meet the conditions twice consecutively, the sanctions would be automatically reinstated and remain in effect.

ANHA