US bill to sanction Interim government in Syria

The bill provides for sanctions on officials of the interim government and financial institutions, as well as any foreign individuals involved in military or financial transactions with the interim government. This move comes amid US concerns over threats to stability in northeastern Syria and the potential resurgence of ISIS.

The two senators noted that the Syrian Democratic Forces played a pivotal role in US efforts to dismantle the “ISIS caliphate” and significantly contributed to the success of military operations during the early period of  President Donald Trump’s administration. After ISIS was defeated, the SDF took control of large areas in northeastern Syria, including prisons holding ISIS detainees, where around 1,000 US troops are stationed.

The statement accused the interim government, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, of launching a military campaign against the SDF under the pretext of unifying the country after years of war, pointing to indications of coordination with Turkey. It warned that targeting the SDF threatens the security of US forces, undermines relations between Washington and the interim government, and risks reviving ISIS.

Senator Graham said there is strong bipartisan support for protecting Kurds in Syria, stating that attacks against them “weaken America’s standing and undermine Syria’s ability to recover.” He added:

“Anyone who believes that targeting the Kurds can occur without consequences should rethink their position.”

In a post on the X platform, Graham said there is strong bipartisan backing for protecting Kurds in Syria and beyond, describing them as a highly reliable ally of the United States.

Graham noted that Syria is a culturally, ethnically, and politically complex country, but stressed that targeting Kurds significantly weakens US credibility and hampers Syria’s ability to develop as a state.

He warned:

“To countries or groups who believe they can target Kurds in Syria without consequences: you are completely wrong.”

Senator Blumenthal, according to the statement, emphasized the need to protect Kurds from any retaliatory or punitive actions, describing this as “an American responsibility toward allies who have proven their reliability.”

The bill includes broad sanctions, formal recognition of the role of the Syrian Democratic Forces in combating ISIS, the re-designation of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, and a requirement for congressional review of any step to remove Syria from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism. It also grants the US president authority to suspend sanctions if attacks on the SDF stop, with a mechanism for the immediate reimposition of sanctions if attacks resume.

ANHA