US pushes to repeal Caesar Act sanctions on Syria in NDAA

The United States administration is formally advocating for the repeal of the Caesar Act sanctions against Syria, calling on legislators to incorporate the measure into the forthcoming National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). A State Department spokesperson confirmed to Anadolu that lifting these sanctions is seen as vital for supporting Syria's stability and the primary objective of ensuring the enduring defeat of ISIS.

Rationale Behind the Policy Shift

The spokesperson elaborated that ending the sanctions regime "preserves the integrity of our primary objective – the enduring defeat of ISIS – and will give the people of Syria a chance for a better future." The statement also highlighted that the US is in constant dialogue with regional partners and welcomes any investment in Syria that contributes to a peaceful and prosperous future for its people. This marks a significant step in US policy toward the war-torn nation.

A Series of Diplomatic Moves

This push for legislative repeal follows a series of actions by the administration. In May 2025, the president announced the intention to lift most US sanctions after a landmark meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa. Subsequently, an executive order was signed in June to end sanctions, though the underlying Caesar Act remained law. The new Syrian government views these sanctions as a major impediment to rebuilding after nearly 14 years of devastating civil conflict.

A Transformed Political Landscape

The current political environment in Syria is markedly different from previous years. The long-standing rule of Bashar al-Assad ended in December 2024 when he fled to Russia. This concluded the Baath Party's decades-long control, paving the way for a transitional government. Al-Sharaa, who led anti-regime forces, was declared president and has pledged to focus on national reconstruction and restoring stability, a process that could be accelerated by the removal of international sanctions.