U.S. pushes for new sanctions against normalization process with Syria

Some U.S. lawmakers are pushing for further punitive measures against Syria to avert ongoing normalization efforts between Damascus and the Arab world.

Some U.S. members of Congress are pushing for further sanctions against Syria to prevent ongoing normalization efforts between Damascus and the Arab world. According to Reuters, the bill aims to "prevent the U.S. government from recognizing Bashar al-Assad as Syrian president" and serves as a "warning to other countries normalizing their relations with Assad."

The bill, known as the Assad Regime Anti-Normalization Act, was introduced on May 11 by U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson and 35 other lawmakers.

"Countries that choose to normalize with the unrepentant mass murderer and drug trafficker Bashar al-Assad are on the wrong track," Wilson declared last month.

"The legislation is a warning to Turkey and the Arab countries that they will face serious consequences if they get involved with Assad's government. Syria's readmission to the Arab League has greatly angered members of Congress and made it clear that swift action is needed to send a signal," a congressional official told Reuters.

The bill calls for verification of any financial transactions or assistance to territories under Damascus' control by individuals in Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and other countries. Some experts suggest that this is aimed at discouraging countries from investing in the reconstruction of war-torn Syria.

The bill has also been criticized by many, including U.S. analysts such as Joshua Landis, for posing a humanitarian threat to the citizens of Syria. The latest attempt to expand sanctions under the Caesar Act comes in the wake of Saudi Arabia's reconciliation with Damascus and President Assad's first participation in the Arab League summit in 13 years.