Latest news with #CaesarAct
Jordan News
a day ago
- Business
- Jordan News
Jordan's Exports to Syria Soar by 424% - Jordan News
Jordan's national exports to Syria witnessed a remarkable surge of 424% during the first five months of this year compared to the same period last year, according to the latest foreign trade data released by the Department of Statistics. اضافة اعلان The data, published yesterday, shows that the value of Jordanian exports to Syria reached 89 million dinars during the first five months of the current year, up from 17 million dinars in the same period last year. It is worth noting that prior to the outbreak of the Syrian crisis in 2011, the volume of trade exchange between the two countries exceeded 800 million dinars annually. However, this figure sharply declined to just 56 million dinars in 2020, following the implementation of the "Caesar Act."
Asharq Al-Awsat
4 days ago
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Role Pivotal as Syria Hosts Investment Forum in Damascus
In a symbolic and strategic move, Syria and Saudi Arabia took a major step toward deepening economic ties this week with the launch of the Syrian-Saudi Investment Forum 2025, held at the People's Palace in Damascus. The event brought together top officials from both countries, including Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa and Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih, along with over 120 Saudi investors and business leaders. The forum marks the most significant Saudi economic delegation to visit Syria in over a decade, and comes amid a broader push by Damascus to attract regional and international investment to rebuild the war-torn country. Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Osama Qadi, Senior Advisor to Syria's Ministry of Economy and Industry, described the forum as a turning point. 'Saudi Arabia is helping to write a new chapter in Syria's economic history,' he said. 'The Kingdom is not only a political and security partner, it will be remembered as the driving force behind what could become Syria's economic miracle.' Qadi said Saudi Arabia's presence signaled deep trust in Syria's post-conflict potential. 'This initial delegation of over 120 Saudi business leaders is just the beginning,' he noted. 'Minister Al-Falih has committed to encouraging investment not only from the Kingdom but from countries across the globe.' According to Qadi, Saudi investments send a powerful signal to the international business community that Syria is stable and open for investment. 'The presence of Saudi capital builds trust,' he said. 'It shows that Syria is safe, serious about reform, and prepared to welcome global partnerships.' He emphasized that the large-scale destruction resulting from years of conflict has created opportunities in reconstruction, particularly for real estate developers, contractors, and urban planners. In this context, he said: 'The ruins can be rebuilt into a modern Syria... Before 2011, Syria already had widespread informal housing. Now, we have the opportunity to design cities with green spaces, modern infrastructure, and sustainable architecture - all while preserving local heritage.' Qadi added that the Syrian government sees this as a chance to rebuild in line with global standards. 'Together with our partners, we can build a Syria of 2025, with smart cities, environmentally friendly construction, and livable communities for the next generation,' he underlined. The timing of the forum, he noted, sends a strong political message to skeptics. 'Even as some areas of the country, like Sweida, remain unstable and US lawmakers debate the future of the Caesar Act sanctions, this forum shows that serious investors believe in Syria's future,' he remarked. Qadi expressed hope that Saudi engagement would trigger a ripple effect, saying: 'Together with the Kingdom, we can attract the largest number of investors, companies, and projects. This will create jobs and help Syria become one of the region's most attractive investment destinations.' At a press conference Wednesday night, Syrian Minister of Information Hamza Al-Mustafa officially launched the forum under the auspices of the Supreme Council for Economic Development and in partnership with the Syrian Investment Agency. Al-Mustafa praised Saudi Arabia's role as 'a key player in the Arab regional order and a very important global actor.' He also highlighted the strong historical and cultural ties between the two countries. 'Saudi Arabia holds a special place in the hearts of all Syrians. That's why President Al-Sharaa's first official visit abroad was to Riyadh. Syria received a warm welcome and a clear signal of Saudi commitment to our recovery,' the minister stated. Al-Mustafa further said the forum reflects Syria's readiness to turn the page. 'After decades of authoritarian rule and economic stagnation, Damascus is now presenting itself as a serious opportunity for investors. The soil is fertile, the environment is right, and we welcome all those who want to be part of Syria's renewal,' he affirmed.
Scoop
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
SETF Urges Lawmakers To Vote No Today On H.R. 4427
July 22, 2025, WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Syrian Emergency Task Force (SETF) urges all members of Congress to vote NO on H.R. 4427, the Syria bill in the House Financial Services Committee. This law would put in new conditions to the Caesar Act which did not apply to Assad, and require they be met for two full years after being signed into law, which would end up being 2028. This goes against President Trump's agenda of 'giving Syria a chance' and allowing long term investment in Syria. The Syrian Emergency Task Force brought key witnesses like 'Caesar', 'The Gravedigger' and victims of torture that helped make the 'Caesar Act' law, in order to help stop the genocidal massacres of the Assad regime, and we are now calling for its full repeal. Today, with H.R. 4427 Congress is sanctioning the Syrian people. President Trump's administration has a clear policy on Syria to lift sanctions and give Syria a chance, this bill does the opposite. SETF and Ambassador Tom Barrack have publicly endorsed Rep. Wilson's (R-SC) bill (H.R. 3941), to repeal the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019. This bill has bipartisan support in the U.S. House of Representatives, including six Republicans and four Democrats, and has a bipartisan companion bill in the U.S. Senate (S.2133), with the same name. It is the moral obligation of Congress to fully repeal Caesar which was about punishing Assad not the Syrian people.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
House Republican moves to permanently repeal sanctions on Syria
Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) on Wednesday filed text to permanently repeal legislation that imposed strict sanctions on Syria, following President Trump's move to unwind penalties on the country following the ousting of longtime dictator Bashar Assad. Wilson moved to repeal the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, filing an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act — must-pass legislation that is usually voted on by the end of the year. 'I am trying to use every mechanism possible to repeal this law as soon as possible,' Wilson said in a statement to The Hill. 'As the Caesar law was passed and extended through the National Defense Authorization Act, I am hopeful that the repeal could also move through the same vehicle. Unless we repeal the law, investors will not take the risks required for long term investment in Syria which will be necessary to Make Syria Great Again.' While Trump announced in May that he was lifting all sanctions on Syria, he is only able to issue a 180-day waiver to the Caesar Act permitting international transactions with Syria's central bank and government ministries. Repealing the legislation in total would allow investors to make longer-term commitments without the threat of sanctions going back into effect. The Caesar Act's 2019 passage was celebrated as landmark legislation imposing the toughest sanctions regime against Assad for gross human rights violations carried out under his rule and throughout the country's civil war, which began in 2011. The bill was named for a Syrian whistleblower, Farid Nada al-Madhan, who was code-named Caesar and exposed the Assad regime's torture and killing of detainees. Al-Madhan was a photographer who worked with the Syrian military and smuggled out photographic evidence of war crimes. Congress renewed the Caesar Act in December for five years, shortly before Assad was ousted in a shocking offensive by interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and his group, Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Caesar Act supporters had advocated for the 2019 law's renewal in the face of the former Biden administration's quiet negotiations allowing countries to normalize relations with Assad and ease sanctions. But with HTS's lightning takeover of the country, advocates supporting Caesar's renewal are now pushing Congress to repeal the law and lift sanctions on the country. On Tuesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio removed the terrorist designation on HTS. The State Department is also expected to review Syria's designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism for repeal. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
09-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
House Republican moves to permanently repeal sanctions on Syria
Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) on Wednesday filed text to permanently repeal legislation that imposed strict sanctions on Syria, following President Trump's move to unwind penalties on the country following the ousting of long-time dictator Bashar al-Assad. Wilson moved to repeal the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, filing an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), considered must-pass legislation that is usually voted on by the end of the year. 'I am trying to use every mechanism possible to repeal this law as soon as possible,' Wilson said in a statement to The Hill. 'As the Caesar law was passed and extended through the National Defense Authorization Act, I am hopeful that the repeal could also move through the same vehicle. Unless we repeal the law, investors will not take the risks required for long term investment in Syria which will be necessary to Make Syria Great Again.' While Trump announced in May that he was lifting all sanctions on Syria, he is only able to issue a 180-day waiver to the Caesar Act permitting international transactions with Syria's Central Bank and government ministries. Repealing the legislation in total would allow investors to make longer-term commitments without the threat of sanctions going back into effect. The Caesar Act's 2019 passage was celebrated as landmark legislation imposing the toughest sanctions regime against Assad for gross human rights violations carried out under his rule and throughout the country's civil war, which began in 2011. The bill was named for a Syrian whistleblower, Fared al Madhan, who was code-named Caesar and exposed the Assad regimes torture and killing of detainees. Al Madhan was a photographer who worked with the Syrian military and smuggled out photographic evidence of war crimes. Congress renewed the Caesar Act in December for five years, shortly before Assad was ousted in a shocking offensive by now interim-Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and his group, Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham. Caesar supporters had advocated for the 2019 law's renewal in the face of the former Biden administration's quiet negotiations allowing countries to normalize with Assad and ease sanctions. But with HTS's lightning takeover of the country, advocates supporting Caesar's renewal are now pushing Congress to repeal the law and lift sanctions on the country. On Tuesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio removed the terrorist designation on HTS. The State Department is also expected to review Syria's designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism for repeal.
