Amid rapid political and diplomatic shifts surrounding Syria in recent months, the repeal of the U.S. Caesar Act has emerged as one of the most consequential and complex developments at the domestic, regional, and international levels. Since entering into force, the legislation functioned as a powerful political and economic pressure tool, leaving deep marks on Syria’s economy, living conditions, and humanitarian situation, while also affecting neighbouring countries and the broader region. For this reason, the discussion around lifting or easing Caesar sanctions carries far-reaching political, economic, and humanitarian implications.
The Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act was issued under the banner of protecting civilians and holding perpetrators of serious human rights violations accountable. It was passed by the U.S. Congress and signed into law in December 2019 as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020. Although adopted at the end of that year, its practical implementation went well beyond political signaling, extending into nearly all aspects of economic and service life. Trade restrictions tightened, the local currency weakened, reconstruction efforts stalled, and vital sectors such as health, energy, and food were severely constrained. Over time, debate intensified over the effectiveness of these sanctions in achieving their stated goals, weighed against the heavy humanitarian and social costs borne by ordinary Syrians.
The debate over repealing Caesar sanctions is inseparable from the broader international context, where political interests intersect with humanitarian and legal considerations. Calls to lift or amend the sanctions are often grounded in arguments related to improving living conditions, creating a more stable environment for refugee returns, and supporting economic recovery and reconstruction. Opponents, however, argue that sanctions remain a critical political leverage tool that should not be relinquished without tangible progress on the political track and credible human rights guarantees.
Last Wednesday, the U.S. Senate voted in favour of the Department of Defense budget for fiscal year 2026, which includes provisions repealing Caesar sanctions. The bill has now been referred to President Donald Trump for signature, paving the way for the law to formally take effect.
In a special interview with +963, legal expert Ahmad Saadoun discussed post-Caesar scenarios at both the domestic and international levels, the economic implications of ending the sanctions, and the internal steps required to ensure Syria benefits meaningfully from U.S. sanctions relief.
What are the domestic and international scenarios after the repeal of the Caesar Act?
The Caesar Act was repealed through decisions approved by majorities in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, with British consent as well, before being forwarded to President Donald Trump to be formally terminated. The move is heading in the right direction, albeit long overdue. Strategically, however, sanctions relief alone is insufficient. What Syria needs, is genuine international cooperation on the ground – not merely symbolic announcements.
After decades of Assad-era rule marked by widespread corruption and war crimes, reconstruction must now begin in earnest, from Deir ez-Zor to Daraa, through reputable international companies with established global standing – whether French, British, or regionally based firms, particularly Emirati companies known for infrastructure development.
How do you assess the economic end of the Caesar era?
The end of Caesar sanctions will inevitably open Syria to global trade, imports, and exports, provided the country can offer a secure environment. Syria has long been an exporter of cotton, fruits, and agricultural products, and is expected to attract international energy companies to oil and gas fields in Deir ez-Zor and Hasakah.
The untapped potential of Syria’s coastal regions – Latakia, Jableh, and Tartous – which could, in the coming years, evolve into major tourism hubs and drivers of regional and international economic exchange. Such developments would bolster state revenues, which should serve as a foundation for development and reconstruction.
What mechanisms could replace broad sanctions under Caesar?
The full repeal of Caesar opens the door wide to projects and investments that Syria urgently needs after 14 years of devastating war. Regional and international companies specializing in consulting, construction, and sectoral rebuilding can now play a meaningful role across vital industries.
However, this opportunity must be paired with strong coordination between the Syrian government and neighbouring states to ensure security and reduce – or eliminate – ongoing breaches. Closing security and operational gaps, he added, is essential to restoring investor confidence.
How will the repeal affect Syria’s political landscape?
The United States, the European Union, and France played a significant role in reintegrating Syria into the Arab fold and restoring its international presence. Syria deserves to reclaim its position as a country of historic cities, tourism centres, and diverse natural resources.
Once again, a genuine international cooperation and the involvement of major foreign companies in Syria’s economic and social recovery is pivotal. Rebuilding Syria’s heavily degraded infrastructure will take at least a decade, especially given the severe financial strain on ordinary Syrians.
Some parties express concern over lifting Caesar sanctions at this stage. Are these fears justified?
Such concerns are dismissed as neither genuine nor realistic, calls to maintain Caesar sanctions are often driven by narrow personal interests or foreign agendas – particular to Iran and other external actors. We need to strengthen Syria’s internal front through broad domestic consensus and dialogue, rather than escalation and confrontation, which Syrians have endured for more than 14 years.
Syrians at home and abroad urgently need stability, economic improvement, and better living conditions, including job opportunities and wages that can meet rising costs. These factors would also encourage Syrians abroad to return and contribute their expertise to rebuilding the country.
What internal steps are needed to benefit from lifting U.S. sanctions?
Maximizing the benefits of sanctions relief requires a comprehensive package of political, economic, and administrative reforms. Key priorities include institutional reform, transparency, accountability in managing public resources, and a serious fight against administrative and financial corruption. Simplifying bureaucratic procedures – particularly those related to investment, trade, and imports and exports – is also critical.
Without such reforms the gains of lifting sanctions could be squandered or diverted into narrow interests that fail to revive the broader economy. Equally important is achieving political and social consensus by involving diverse economic and social actors in policymaking and fostering a national discourse cantered on recovery and reconstruction.
The views expressed in this interview do not necessarily reflect the position of +963.
