US Congressional Delegation Meets Syrian President in Damascus Signaling Diplomatic Outreach

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa met with a bipartisan delegation of U.S. Congress members, including Senators Joni Ernst and Markwayne Mullin and Representatives Jason Smith and Jimmy Panetta, in Damascus as part of ongoing U.S.-Syrian diplomatic engagement. These visits come amid President Trump's recent easing of sanctions on Syria and efforts to reestablish a permanent U.S. diplomatic presence in Damascus, with discussions covering security cooperation, economic issues, and the search for missing Americans. The meetings also address concerns such as sectarian violence against the Druze minority in southern Syria and the potential normalization of Syria-Israel relations, including Syria’s possible joining of the Abraham Accords. While some lawmakers support a cautious approach to lifting the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act sanctions, others seek to provide the president more flexibility in managing them, emphasizing the need for Syria to meet counterterrorism and human rights commitments. Jordan's King Abdullah II also reaffirmed support for Syria's sovereignty and stability during a related meeting with the congressional delegation in Amman. These developments reflect a nuanced and evolving U.S. congressional stance on Syria, balancing engagement with oversight amid regional security concerns.