Latest news with #Syrian-Americans
Leaders
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Leaders
Syria Pledges to Assist in Locating Missing Americans: US Envoy
Syria's new authorities have agreed to assist the United States in locating and returning Americans missing in the war-torn country. This announcement marks a significant step forward in the evolving relationship between the two nations. The U.S. envoy, Tom Barrack, confirmed this development on Sunday, highlighting the importance of this cooperation. Recent Developments in U.S.-Syria Relations This announcement follows the United States lifting sanctions on Syria, ending over a decade of diplomatic isolation. Relations have steadily improved since the overthrow of former president Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. Barrack described the Syrian government's commitment as a 'powerful step forward' for both countries. The families of Austin Tice, Majd Kamalmaz, and Kayla Mueller deserve closure regarding their loved ones. Tice, a freelance journalist, went missing in August 2012 while covering the civil war. Kamalmaz, a Syrian-American psychotherapist, disappeared in 2017, while Mueller was an aid worker kidnapped by ISIS in 2015. Barrack emphasized that President Trump prioritizes bringing home American citizens or honoring their remains with dignity. The new Syrian government has pledged to support these efforts, which include locating missing individuals and their remains. A Syrian source revealed that there are 11 other names on Washington's list, all Syrian-Americans. International Cooperation for Reconstruction The lifting of sanctions also coincided with Syria's reshuffling of its interior ministry to combat drug and human trafficking. This move aims to improve ties with the West and facilitate reconstruction efforts in the war-ravaged country. Syria's foreign ministry welcomed the sanctions relief, calling it a positive step to alleviate humanitarian struggles. The recent developments signal a potential thaw in U.S.-Syria relations, with both nations working towards common goals. The commitment to locate missing Americans represents a significant shift in diplomatic engagement. As both countries navigate this new chapter, the focus remains on rebuilding trust and cooperation for the future. Short link : Post Views: 21
The Hill
24-04-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
Rep. Mills ‘cautiously optimistic' after meeting Syria's new leader
Rep. Cory Mills (R-Fla.) said he is 'cautiously optimistic' after he met with new Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa. Mills traveled to Damascus last week on an unofficial fact-finding mission, where he held talks with Sharaa about economic sanctions and peace between Syria and Israel, Bloomberg reported. 'I am cautiously optimistic and look to maintain open dialogue,' Mills, an army veteran, told the outlet of his visit. Mills, a close ally of President Trump's, told the outlet he plans to brief the president and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz when he returns to the U.S., as well as deliver a letter from Sharaa to Trump. The Florida lawmaker took the trip with a group of influential Syrian-Americans who are lobbying the U.S. government to lift the sanctions imposed on the former Syrian administration. Mills told the outlet that he spoke with Sharaa to outline the Trump administration's expectations for the strict sanctions to be lifted, which the Syrian leader needs to happen to help his devastated economy and war-torn country via foreign investors. Qatar and Saudia Arabia have shown willingness to help Syria financially but are being blocked from doing so by the U.S. sanctions, Bloomberg noted. Mills said part of the U.S. conditions would be that any chemical weapons left over from the former President Bashar Al-Assad administration must be destroyed and the country would have to coordinate on counter-terrorism initiatives with other U.S. allies. Assad's regime fell in December to Syrian rebels, ending his nearly 30 years in power. The country would also have to provide assurances to Israel, which does not trust Sharaa and is opposed to the U.S. lifting its sanctions, Bloomberg reported. Mills's visit comes just days after the U.S. announced it would be withdrawing hundreds of troops from Syria. The Pentagon argued the shift is a 'consolidation' to reflect a changing security environment in the country and highlighted the success of the 2019 Trump-era ISIS defeat. The Trump administration said the withdrawing of troops would bring U.S. forces down to less than 1,000 over the next few months, though it faces risks as there's been an uptick of attacks on American bases in Syria over the last year. Mills noted to Bloomberg that once Germany and Japan were enemies of the U.S., but 'we have to move beyond this if we are to have stabilization' with Syria.
Bloomberg
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Bloomberg
Trump Ally Holds Talks With Syrian Leader on Sanctions, Israel
US Congressman Cory Mills said he held talks with Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa on conditions for the removal of economic sanctions and peace between the war-ravaged nation and Israel. The Florida Republican travelled to Damascus last week on an unofficial fact-finding mission organized by a group of influential Syrian-Americans, Mills told Bloomberg by phone, adding that he plans to brief US President Donald Trump — with whom he is close — and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz when he returns from his trip.
