Congress Members Make Unofficial Visit to Syria Amid U.S. Sanctions Relief Debate

Two Republican Congress members, Marlin Stutzman of Indiana and Cory Mills of Florida, made a notable visit to Damascus, marking the first such trip since the fall of former President Bashar Assad in December. This unofficial visit was facilitated by the Syrian-American nonprofit, Syrian American Alliance for Peace and Prosperity. The legislators explored significant sites like the historic synagogue in Jobar, which suffered damage during the civil war, and the Christian neighborhood of Bab Touma, engaging with local religious leaders.

During their stay, the Congress members aimed to assess the current needs of the Syrian population and discuss potential U.S. sanctions affecting the region’s stability. Mills emphasized the importance of witnessing the circumstances firsthand and noted that discussions with transitional President Ahmad al-Sharaa would address the government’s priorities, particularly as they seek a pathway to a democratically elected society.

Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas also arrived for his first visit since 2007, focusing on strengthening Palestinian-Syrian relations and addressing ongoing conflicts, including Gaza. Abbas and al-Sharaa explored possibilities for enhanced cooperation amidst a population of about 450,000 Palestinian refugees in Syria.

The U.S. State Department, however, continues to advise against travel to Syria due to credible safety threats, cautioning American citizens about the risks involved.