Senator Elizabeth Warren and Representative Joe Wilson have sent a bipartisan letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The letter calls for updates to outdated U.S. sanctions on Syria, which the lawmakers argue are now counterproductive to U.S. national security objectives and hinder Syria's reconstruction efforts.
The lawmakers assert that "sanctions inertia would undercut Syria’s path to stability" and warn that it could lead to increased migration or dependence on illicit drug trade, specifically mentioning captagon. They also caution that failing to update these sanctions might allow Iran and Russia to regain influence in the region.
Warren and Wilson emphasize the importance of modifying broad prohibitions that currently restrict financial services and investment in Syria. These restrictions, they argue, impede economic recovery by pushing Syrians towards illicit markets. While acknowledging some adjustments made by the State and Treasury Departments, they describe these changes as "important yet incomplete initial steps."
The letter urges for a clear roadmap from the departments outlining specific actions Syrian authorities could take for further sanctions relief. This, they suggest, is crucial for protecting U.S. interests and aiding the Syrian people in rebuilding their country after years of oppressive rule.
"Given the serious risks of inaction," the lawmakers write, "we urge you to consider unwinding or replacing outdated measures like the broad services and investment prohibitions." They stress that while counterterrorism measures remain vital, there is a need for policy changes that support stability without undermining pressure on terrorist organizations.