U.S. Congress Members Make Unofficial Visit to Syria Amid Sanctions Discussion
Two Republican Congress members visited Syria, marking the first such visit since the fall of Assad. Their talks included potential sanctions relief and the needs of Syrian citizens. Concurrently, Palestinian President Abbas visited Syria to strengthen ties and discuss regional issues.
Two Republican members of the U.S. Congress, Cory Mills of Florida and Marlin Stutzman of Indiana, recently embarked on an unofficial visit to Syria, which was arranged by the Syrian-American nonprofit, the Syrian American Alliance for Peace and Prosperity. This is notable as it marks the first visit by U.S. legislators to Syria since the ousting of former President Bashar Assad in December. The delegation included other unidentified individuals.
During their visit on April 18, 2025, the congressmen explored the Damascus suburb of Jobar, known for its historic synagogue heavily damaged during the civil war, and the Christian neighborhood of Bab Touma, where they engaged with Christian religious leaders. Additionally, they were expected to meet with President Ahmad al-Sharaa and other government officials to discuss conditions in Syria and gauge the needs for governmental stability.
Mills, who is a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, emphasized the significance of their visit, stating, “it is very important to come here to be able to see it for myself,” highlighting the need to understand the Syrian people’s requirements and discuss potential sanctions. While he noted that lifting sanctions is ultimately a presidential decision, he acknowledged that Congress could offer advisory input.
The ongoing international sanctions, placed during the Assad administration, remain unlifted by the current U.S. administration, which has yet to formally recognize al-Sharaa’s government. The U.S. State Department simultaneously reiterated warnings against American travel to Syria due to credible threats of imminent attacks in the area.
In another notable meeting, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas also visited Damascus, marking his first visit since 2007. He discussed strengthening Palestinian-Syrian relations and the situation in Gaza with President al-Sharaa, agreeing to collaborate through joint committees to enhance bilateral cooperation. Notably, the discussions underscored the enduring complexities surrounding Syria’s relationship with Israel amid ongoing military tensions.
In summary, the recent unofficial visit by U.S. Congress members Cory Mills and Marlin Stutzman to Syria signifies a rare engagement with the region since the regime change following Bashar Assad’s fall. Their discussions included significant topics such as U.S. sanctions and the humanitarian needs of the Syrian populace. Concurrently, Mahmoud Abbas’s visit aimed to reinforce Palestinian relations with Syria, indicating the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region. The future of sanctions and U.S.-Syrian relations remains contingent on ongoing political deliberations.
Original Source: apnews.com
