Washington: In a historic move, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani is scheduled to visit Washington this week to engage with U.S. lawmakers on the potential lifting of remaining American sanctions on Syria. According to Axios, this marks the first time in more than 25 years that a Syrian foreign minister has traveled to the U.S. capital, signaling a possible thaw in relations between the two nations after decades of diplomatic tension.
The visit comes at a delicate juncture in regional geopolitics, coinciding with ongoing negotiations between Syria and Israel aimed at establishing a formal security agreement. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa expressed cautious optimism, stating that these talks could yield tangible results “in the coming days.” He emphasized that such an agreement is critical for safeguarding Syria’s airspace and territorial integrity, with potential monitoring support from the United Nations.
U.S. lawmakers, including Senator Lindsey Graham, are expected to meet with Shibani to discuss the prospects of easing sanctions imposed under various legislations, including the Caesar Act. Graham indicated that the possibility of lifting sanctions may hinge on Syria’s cooperation in regional security matters, including a potential deal with Israel and joining broader efforts to combat ISIS. These discussions reflect a nuanced approach by Washington, balancing humanitarian and political concerns with strategic imperatives in the Middle East.
In addition to meeting legislators, Shibani is scheduled to hold talks with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The discussions are expected to focus not only on sanctions but also on broader regional security issues, diplomatic normalization, and mechanisms to ensure compliance with any agreements reached. Analysts suggest that the outcomes of these meetings could reshape U.S.-Syria relations and have far-reaching implications for the stability of the Middle East.
As Syria navigates this complex diplomatic path, the international community is closely monitoring developments in Washington, aware that any movement on sanctions could influence regional alliances, economic recovery, and security dynamics across the Levant.