The State Department announced on Friday that the United Nations Security Council has removed the terrorist designation from two Syrian officials, including the newly appointed president, Ahmed al-Sharaa.
This resolution, backed by the U.S., reflects a significant political shift, highlighting Syria’s transition to a new phase, according to Tommy Piggott, the principal deputy spokesperson at the State Department. He emphasized that “these steps recognize the progress made by Syrian leadership since President Bashar al-Assad’s departure and the long history of repression under his regime.”
As the new government in Syria advances, it will be expected to “combat terrorism and narcotics, eliminate remnants of chemical weapons, promote regional security and stability, and engage in a Syrian-led political process,” the statement added.
Additionally, Syria’s new president is anticipated to sign an agreement to join the U.S.-led coalition against ISIS.
Al-Sharaa is set to meet with President Trump on Monday, which will mark a historic occasion as it will be the first time a U.S. president has hosted a Syrian president at the White House. The two leaders had previously met in Saudi Arabia in May, the first encounter between leaders of the two nations since former President Bill Clinton’s administration 25 years ago.
Al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, has connections to al-Qaeda, fought alongside U.S. troops in Iraq, and was once held by U.S. forces after taking part in the Syrian civil war.
This upcoming meeting is happening amid pressure from civil society organizations urging House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast (R-Fla.) to lift sanctions against Syria. There’s bipartisan interest in including the repeal of the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act in the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
Mast previously expressed his concerns about repealing the Caesar Act, stating, “While discussions are ongoing, my concerns about the situation in Syria are clear to everyone.”
Removing the Caesar Act would also facilitate the U.S. in obtaining information regarding Americans who are detained, missing, or killed in Syria. Families of those affected have reached out to Mast, requesting its repeal.
In a letter, they noted, “While this law was intended to hold those responsible for the Assad regime’s atrocities accountable, it now obstructs efforts to help families like ours finally learn what happened to our loved ones.” Signatories include Diane Foley, whose son James was killed in Syria in 2014; Mariam Kamalmaz, daughter of Majid Kamalmaz, who went missing in Syria in 2017; and Danny Samin, whose father Jamil vanished in Syria in 2013, among others.
