U.S. House Votes to Repeal Syria Sanctions Amid Diplomatic Shifts

Syria’s government has publicly approved a decision by the U.S. House of Representatives to repeal the so-called Caesar Act sanctions, framing it as a result of sustained diplomatic engagement with Washington. The development, embedded within the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), could signal a shift in U.S. policy towards Damascus.

A Pivotal Step for Syrian Economy

In an official statement, Syria’s Foreign Ministry described the House vote as a critical juncture. The ministry asserted that lifting these long-standing sanctions would be fundamental for economic recovery, potentially easing the import of essential goods and medical supplies. It argued the measures had for years deprived the Syrian people of vital opportunities.

Path to Final Decision and Regional Context

The legislative process is not yet complete. Attention now turns to the U.S. Senate, which is expected to vote on the sprawling defense bill next week. The Caesar Act, initially passed in 2019, authorized sweeping economic penalties against individuals and entities supporting the Assad regime's military and energy sectors. Its potential repeal marks a significant policy review.

Implications for Türkiye and Next Steps

This evolving situation holds direct consequences for Türkiye, which shares a long border with Syria and has deep concerns over regional security, terrorism threats, and refugee flows. Damascus, in its statement, expressed hope for the complete removal of sanctions and "new horizons of cooperation" with the United States, a prospect that would undoubtedly reshape dynamics in which Türkiye is a central actor.