الكونجرس الأميركي يعرض إلغاء “قانون قيصر”.. ويطلب مراجعة دورية لأداء الحكومة السورية

The US Congress’s recent move to potentially repeal the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act has sparked significant discussion and hope for economic recovery in Syria. This development, embedded within the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), represents a potential turning point in US-Syria relations, after years of stringent sanctions. The proposed legislation outlines a series of conditions and reporting requirements before the full lifting of قانون قيصر (Caesar Act) can occur.

تفويض الدفاع الوطني وبند إلغاء قانون قيصر: نظرة عامة

The National Defense Authorization Act, passed by the US Congress on Sunday evening, includes a provision allowing for the eventual repeal of sanctions imposed on Syria under قانون قيصر. This doesn’t signify an immediate removal. Instead, the bill mandates that the President of the United States, or his designated representative, submit reports to Congress every six months for the next four years. These reports will assess the Syrian government’s performance regarding several crucial benchmarks, primarily revolving around countering terrorism and upholding human rights. This process is a substantial shift from the previously automatic enforcement of sanctions upon certain conditions not being met.

شروط إلغاء العقوبات: تقييم أداء الحكومة السورية

The reports required by the NDAA will focus on detailed evaluations of the Syrian government’s actions across multiple fronts. These include:

مكافحة الإرهاب (Combating Terrorism)

A central condition is demonstrable progress in eliminating the threat posed by terrorist organizations, specifically ISIS (داعش) and Al-Qaeda and its affiliates, in collaboration with the United States. The reports will need to show concrete steps taken to prevent the resurgence of ISIS. This collaboration factor is notable, indicating a desire for a joint approach to security concerns.

إبعاد المقاتلين الأجانب (Removing Foreign Fighters)

The US administration will need to assess whether the Syrian government is taking steps to remove foreign fighters from positions of power within the state, including security institutions. This aims to remove potentially destabilizing influences and ensure governance based on Syrian nationals.

حماية حقوق الأقليات (Protecting Minority Rights)

Respect for the rights of religious and ethnic minorities within Syria is another key criterion. This includes safeguarding freedom of worship and belief and ensuring fair and balanced representation across government structures, including ministries and parliament. Addressing historical and ongoing inequalities will be vital.

العلاقات مع الجيران (Relations with Neighbors)

The reports will also evaluate whether Syria is refraining from unilateral military action against its neighbors, particularly Israel, and is actively pursuing international security agreements. This condition underscores the importance of regional stability.

تنفيذ اتفاق 10 مارس (Implementing the March 10th Agreement)

Specifically, the legislation demands tangible progress in implementing the March 10th, 2025 agreement between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (قسد). This includes proportionate integration of security forces and providing political representation for the SDF. This reveals a clear understanding of the complex, internal Syrian dynamics.

مكافحة غسل الأموال وتمويل الإرهاب (Combating Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing)

Finally, the reports will assess Syria’s efforts to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, aligned with international standards.

ردود الفعل: انتصار أم مجرد بداية؟

The announcement has been met with mixed reactions. Mohammed Alaa Ghanem, head of political affairs for the Syrian American Council, declared the completion of work on the قانون قيصر repeal provisions and their final inclusion in the Pentagon’s budget. He expressed confidence that the law would be repealed before the end of the year without preconditions, characterizing it as a “long and fierce battle” that had been won.

However, cautious optimism prevails. The Syrian Central Bank Governor, Dr. Abd al-Qader Houssariya, recently indicated expectations of a sanctions lift by the end of 2025 following discussions with US lawmakers, which he believes would reassure potential correspondent banks. He also highlighted Syria’s work on updating regulations to combat money laundering and terrorist financing to further encourage international financial engagement.

These statements point to a palpable hope for revitalizing Syria’s economy, which has been severely crippled by the past years of العقوبات (sanctions).

خلفية قانون قيصر وتداعياته

Implemented in 2019, قانون قيصر imposed sweeping sanctions on Syria, targeting individuals, entities, and organizations linked to the former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. It is considered one of the most stringent laws imposed on Damascus, effectively prohibiting any country or entity from engaging with or financially or economically supporting the Syrian government.

The success of the repeal hinges on the forthcoming reports to Congress, and whether the Syrian government can demonstrate progress on these demanding criteria. The potential lifting of قانون قيصر could reshape Syria’s economic future and its standing on the international stage.

الخلاصة: نحو فصل جديد؟

The inclusion of the قانون قيصر repeal provision within the National Defense Authorization Act marks a potentially significant shift in US policy toward Syria. Although the path to full repeal is contingent upon a series of stringent requirements and ongoing assessments, it provides a framework for re-engagement. Careful observation of the reports submitted by the US administration will be essential to understanding the trajectory of this development. This situation warrants continued monitoring, particularly for businesses and observers interested in the future of investment and economic activity in Syria. This change could represent the beginning of a new chapter in Syria’s recovery, but sustained effort and demonstrable improvement in several key areas are paramount.