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Congress Votes to Lift Sanctions on Syria Amid Controversy

12/9/2025

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Congress will vote on lifting sanctions on Syria under former leader Bashar al-Assad.
The National Defense Authorization Act would repeal sanctions and require Syria to combat Islamic State militants and respect minority rights, referencing the Caesar Act.
Lifting sanctions could attract investments from Saudi firms.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to lift the sanctions during a meeting with Ahmed al-Sharaa, interim President of Syria.

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Story summary

The U.S. Congress will vote on lifting sanctions on Syria under former leader Bashar al-Assad.
The National Defense Authorization Act would repeal sanctions and require Syria to combat Islamic State militants and respect minority rights, referencing the Caesar Act.
Lifting sanctions could attract investments from Saudi firms.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to lift the sanctions during a meeting with Ahmed al-Sharaa, interim President of Syria.