C4SSA Newsletter
A Monthly Newsletter
This quarter, C4SSA deepened its strategic engagement across government, policy, and civil society, advancing a clear and unified vision for a democratic and post-sanctions Syria. From two high-level meetings with Senator Jim Risch—Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee—to direct engagement with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and senior U.S. agencies, our efforts emphasized the urgency of bold U.S. policy shifts grounded in accountability, recovery, and diplomatic normalization. We also facilitated critical conversations on justice and memory with the Srebrenica Memorial Center and sustained momentum through a coordinated advocacy day in Washington, D.C. Together with our partners, we continue to push for policies that reflect the realities on the ground and elevate Syrian voices at every level of decision-making.
Activities
Community Event with Sen. Risch
On April 27, leaders from C4SSA, SAC, ACS, and SAAPP met with Senator Jim Risch, Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, for a second time in one month—underscoring a growing partnership around U.S. Syria policy. Congressman Cory Mills joined the meeting to brief the Senator on his recent visit to Damascus, offering key insights from the ground. The delegation thanked Senator Risch for co-authoring a bipartisan letter with Senator Shaheen urging sanctions relief, and shared powerful firsthand accounts from recent visits to Syria, including reports of religious freedom and peaceful community life. The conversation focused on the urgent need to lift sanctions to support Syria’s recovery, curb Iranian and Russian influence, and enable refugee return, while also addressing the absence of consular services for Syrians in the U.S. Senator Risch expressed openness to suspending sanctions to ease pressure on vital sectors like banking and healthcare and committed to raising community concerns with the administration.
Town Hall with Syrian FM Al Shaibani
C4SSA participated in a private town hall in New York City with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and members of the Syrian American community. This closed-door discussion offered a valuable opportunity for direct engagement on key policy issues affecting Syrians at home and abroad. Participants raised concerns around economic recovery, refugee return, and the importance of restoring diplomatic channels between Syria and the United States. The conversation underscored the growing momentum toward dialogue, and C4SSA looks forward to continued efforts to strengthen diplomacy and mutual understanding on the U.S. stage.
Roundtable with Sen. Risch
On June 4th, C4SSA hosted a strategic roundtable with Senator Jim Risch, bringing together representatives from SAC, ACS, AHR, Syrian Forum, SAMS, and the White Helmets to advocate for a unified democratic framework for Syria. The discussion emphasized the urgent need for a bold U.S. policy shift that prioritizes accountability for war crimes, supports early recovery and reconstruction, and advances a democratic vision driven by Syrians. C4SSA leadership highlighted the unique opportunity for U.S. engagement to help stabilize the region, promote justice, and empower civil society actors working on the ground.
In-Person Advocacy Day
C4SSA led a targeted in-person advocacy day in Washington, D.C., engaging senior officials from the National Security Council, the Department of Commerce, and the Department of the Treasury. The delegation emphasized the need for a comprehensive sanctions review, greater support for Syria’s economic recovery, and the importance of aligning U.S. policy with current realities on the ground. Discussions focused on enabling financial access for humanitarian actors, supporting early reconstruction, and countering malign influence in Syria through diplomacy. These meetings reinforced the value of continued dialogue between policymakers and Syrian American civil society.
Srebrenica Memorial Center
C4SSA held a virtual meeting with representatives from the Srebrenica Memorial Center to exchange insights on transitional justice, memorialization, and the long-term impacts of mass atrocity. The discussion explored parallels between the Bosnian and Syrian experiences, with a focus on preserving truth, honoring victims, and pursuing accountability. Both sides emphasized the importance of survivor-centered approaches and international partnerships in building a foundation for justice and reconciliation. The meeting marked a meaningful step toward deeper collaboration in shaping post-conflict recovery efforts rooted in dignity and historical memory.
SFRC Meeting
C4SSA held a regularly scheduled check-in with senior staff from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to provide updates on Syria policy developments and ongoing community advocacy. The conversation centered on the evolving political landscape, the growing consensus around sanctions reform, and the need for U.S. leadership in supporting a democratic transition. C4SSA reiterated its commitment to a unified policy approach grounded in accountability, stability, and the long-term interests of both Syrians and the United States.
C4SSA in the Media
Trump sees opportunity in Syria despite leader’s al Qaeda past
“The sanctions relief is definitely going to be the first confidence-building measure between Syria and the U.S. My observation is that al-Sharaa himself has an ambition to be an ally to the U.S. in the region. That’s my reading. He seems quite ambitious”
– Dr. Muhammad Bakr Ghbeis