Current U.S. Policy on Syria and Assad
Historical Context
Pre-Civil War Relations: Prior to the civil war, U.S.-Syria relations were complex, marked by periods of cooperation and tension. The U.S. had listed Syria as a state sponsor of terrorism since 1979 due to its support for groups like Hezbollah.
Onset of the Civil War: The Syrian Civil War, starting in 2011, shifted U.S. policy significantly. Initially, the U.S. aimed for a diplomatic resolution, but as the conflict escalated with Assad's brutal response to protests, the stance hardened against him.
U.S. Policy Towards Assad
Condemnation and Sanctions: The U.S. has consistently condemned Bashar al-Assad for human rights abuses, the use of chemical weapons, and the overall suffering in Syria. This has resulted in:
- Economic Sanctions: Imposed through various acts like the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, targeting Assad's regime, its supporters, and entities involved in human rights abuses or drug trafficking.
- Diplomatic Isolation: The U.S. has worked to isolate Assad internationally, though with mixed success as some Arab nations have begun to normalize relations with Syria.
Military Actions: The U.S. has engaged in military actions against Assad's forces, primarily in response to chemical attacks, such as the strikes after the Douma chemical attack in April 2018.
Support for the Opposition: Initially, the U.S. supported moderate opposition groups against Assad, though this policy has seen changes over time, with a focus shifting more towards counter-terrorism efforts against ISIS.
The Current Stance
No Normalization: Despite some regional countries moving towards normalization with Assad, the U.S. has made clear its policy against such moves without substantial political progress, as outlined in UN Security Council Resolution 2254:
- This resolution calls for a political transition, which includes free elections under UN supervision and a new constitution.
Continued Sanctions: The U.S. continues to enforce sanctions, with recent activities including:
- Designating individuals and entities linked to the regime for sanctions.
- Blocking property and interests in property of certain Syrian government officials.
Humanitarian Aid: The U.S. remains one of the largest donors of humanitarian aid to Syria, focusing on aiding civilians directly affected by the conflict, ensuring that aid does not pass through the Assad regime.
Challenges and Criticisms
Effectiveness: Some critics argue that U.S. sanctions have not significantly altered Assad's behavior but have instead harmed the Syrian population.
Geopolitical Dynamics: The presence of Russia, Iran, and Turkey, each with different interests in Syria, complicates U.S. policy execution.
Humanitarian Concerns: There's an ongoing debate about how to support the Syrian people without inadvertently strengthening Assad's position.