The U.S. Senate voted by majority in favor of a provision within the Department of Defense budget bill that calls for repealing the “Caesar Act” by the end of this year, paving the way to end years of harsh economic sanctions imposed on Syria due to the practices of the deposed regime.
The “Syrian Civilian Protection Act,” commonly known as the “Caesar Act,” was enacted in late 2019, based on testimonies and leaked photos from inside the former regime’s detention centers documenting crimes against humanity. It came into force in 2020 as part of a series of U.S. sanctions aimed at pressuring the former regime, deepening its financial, economic, and political isolation, and punishing its supporters to halt its repressive practices against the Syrian people and force it to accept a political solution based on UN Security Council Resolution 2254.
Pressure on the Former Regime to Halt Its Crimes
The act mandated asset freezes and financial transaction bans, imposing ten-year economic sanctions on individuals and entities affiliated with the former regime and implicated in war crimes. It also prohibited financial dealings with influential figures connected to the regime and penalized any Syrian or foreign entity investing or engaging with it in sectors such as energy, aviation, construction, and banking.
The former regime attempted to circumvent the law through so-called reconstruction projects, but the act firmly sanctioned all participants in such initiatives. Exceptions were made to safeguard Syrian civilians, allowing humanitarian transactions related to food, medicine, and medical supplies.
A Pivotal Role for Syrian Diplomacy in Its Repeal
Syrian diplomacy played a central role in repealing the Caesar Act, relying on a gradual political strategy aimed at rebuilding international trust and dismantling the sanctions regime. It adopted a pragmatic, non-confrontational discourse focused on dialogue and openness, while emphasizing national sovereignty and rejecting foreign interference. This approach helped soften international stances, particularly within the U.S. Congress, which began reassessing the effectiveness of the sanctions.
The Syrian diplomacy also coordinated with the Syrian community in the United States, particularly through the Syrian-American Council, which lobbied members of Congress and submitted reports highlighting the humanitarian impact of the sanctions on the Syrian people. This contributed to a shift in the political climate in Washington.
Opening the Door to Rebuild What the Former Regime Destroyed
The repeal of the Caesar Act opens the door for foreign investors—especially from Arab and Western countries—to return to the Syrian market after years of isolation. It will accelerate the lifting of restrictions on vital sectors such as energy, construction, and banking, particularly in war-torn cities. Additionally, the influx of foreign currency is expected to stabilize the Syrian pound’s exchange rate, positively impacting citizens’ purchasing power.
Repealing the act will also ease money transfers from Syrians abroad to their families at home, bolstering the local economy. It will encourage community members to return or invest in development projects within Syria and motivate international relief organizations to expand their operations without fear of sanctions. These developments are expected to improve the economic situation and alleviate the daily hardships faced by Syrians.
