Post by : Rameen Ariff

The United States has submitted a draft resolution to the United Nations Security Council seeking to lift sanctions on Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa ahead of his planned visit to the White House. The proposal would also remove sanctions targeting Interior Minister Anas Khattab. No date has been set for a council vote on the draft.

A Security Council resolution needs at least nine affirmative votes and must avoid vetoes from any of the five permanent members — the US, Russia, China, France and the United Kingdom — to pass. Washington has been urging the 15-member council for months to consider easing restrictions on Syria.

Al-Sharaa's prospective visit is being framed as a notable diplomatic step after years of conflict. The draft notes that both al-Sharaa and Khattab appear on sanctions lists that can include travel bans, asset freezes and an embargo on arms. It also references Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), formerly known as the Nusra Front and once al Qaeda’s official wing in Syria, which has been on the Security Council sanctions list since May 2014.

Despite existing sanctions, the Security Council committee responsible for Syrian measures has on multiple occasions granted travel exemptions to al-Sharaa, increasing the likelihood he could travel to the United States even if the draft resolution is not adopted beforehand. The move follows a US policy shift in May under President Donald Trump signaling an intention to lift US sanctions on Syria.

UN sanctions monitors have reported no “active ties” this year between al Qaeda and HTS, a finding cited by the United States in arguing for eased restrictions. The proposed resolution is part of broader efforts to normalize diplomatic engagement with Syria after years of civil conflict and international isolation.

#Global