The United States has extended its long-standing state of national emergency regarding Syria, citing ongoing threats to national security, foreign policy, and the economy.
On Friday, May 9, President Donald Trump’s administration announced the continuation of the emergency measures first imposed on Syria in 2004. The presidential directive, issued by the White House, confirmed that the emergency designation will remain in place for another year due to “continuing unusual and extraordinary threats” posed by the Syrian government’s policies.
The document stated that Washington will assess future changes in Syrian government conduct when considering whether to maintain or terminate the emergency status.
The administration of former President George W. Bush imposed a state of national emergency on Syria in 2004 in response to the Assad regime’s interference in Lebanon and broader destabilising policies in the region. This was carried out under the authority of the “Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act” and the “International Emergency Economic Powers Act.”
Related: Sanctioned Commander Appointed in Syria, Triggering Political and Legal Uproar
Earlier on Friday, the U.S. State Department reaffirmed that the temporary exemption allowing Syria to receive a Qatari grant for public sector salaries does not reflect a change in Washington’s broader policy.
State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce clarified in a press briefing, “The United States has a longstanding exemption mechanism to allow aid that supports stability in Syria. This is what enabled Qatar to fund worker salaries. No new approval or exemption was required for this grant.”
She emphasised that any aid delivered through this framework must be strictly directed toward stabilisation efforts.
“Things are constantly shifting,” Bruce added. “We are waiting for the Syrian government to respond appropriately to the demands I have repeatedly outlined here. The situation remains under close observation, and we respond seriously to any developments, whether setbacks or signs of progress.”
Bruce also condemned the Syrian authorities’ recent decision to appoint Ahmed al-Hayes, commander of a military division in northeastern Syria, to an official position, calling it “a grave mistake that the United States does not support.” She noted that Al-Hayes has a long record of human rights violations and has undermined efforts to defeat ISIS, raising serious concerns in Washington.
