The Syrian Future Movement is closely following the amendments approved by committees in the US Congress to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027 (NDAA FY2027), which included a range of provisions related to Syria, encompassing security, economic, and diplomatic issues, and reflecting a growing American interest in Syrian affairs in the post-liberation phase.
Based on the Syrian Future Movement’s methodology of “supporting national solutions without endorsing any party unconditionally, and criticizing what threatens the state-building process without antagonism,” we issue this statement to assess these amendments within the context of the Syrian state’s efforts to build balanced international relations and strengthen its position as a key player in the region:
First: The Syrian Future Movement appreciates the amendments that reflect an American desire to develop bilateral relations, particularly those related to reopening the embassy and removing Syria from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, considering them positive steps towards reintegrating Syria into the international community.
The Syrian Future Movement also commends the amendment proposed by Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Jim Risch, which urges deeper US engagement with Syria and steps to strengthen security measures with the aim of re-establishing a permanent diplomatic presence or reopening the US Embassy in Damascus. We see this approach as an acknowledgment of the seriousness of the “New Syria” process and a desire to build an institutional relationship that fosters trust and opens new avenues for cooperation.
The Syrian Future Movement also appreciates the amendment proposed by Representative Joe Wilson, which calls for removing Syria’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. We consider this a necessary step to remove a major obstacle to economic recovery and the return of investments, although we recognize that this step requires further legislative action.
Secondly, the Syrian Future Movement emphasizes the importance of security amendments, particularly those related to combating Captagon networks and the Russian military presence, while stressing the need for these issues to be addressed within the framework of international cooperation and respect for Syrian sovereignty.
We also note that the amendments included sensitive security files, most notably Representative French Hill’s call for a joint strategy to dismantle the Captagon networks linked to the Assad regime, and Representative Joe Wilson’s amendment concerning the preparation of a report on how to cooperate with Syria to remove the Russian military presence from the Hmeimim and Tartus bases.
For our part, we support American efforts to combat the scourge of Captagon, which the ousted regime transformed into a tool for financing its terrorism and threatening regional security.
However, we reiterate that any cooperation on this issue must be within the framework of respecting Syria’s sovereignty and laws, and must serve the national interest.
As for the Russian presence, we believe this is a sensitive issue requiring wise diplomatic management, and that Syria is capable of managing its international relations in a way that achieves its highest interests without becoming an arena for major power conflicts.
Third: The Syrian Future Movement expresses conditional optimism regarding the economic amendments, especially those related to attracting American investments, while simultaneously warning that some amendments may contain additional obstacles if not handled wisely.
The Syrian Future Movement notes that Representative Joe Wilson has proposed an amendment requiring the Secretary of State to prepare a report on the obstacles facing American companies wishing to invest in Syria, including an assessment of the Syrian judiciary, commercial laws, and security risks.
While we appreciate the stated aim of the amendment—to support efforts to attract American investment—the Syrian Future Movement is concerned that, in the short term, the report may discourage investment rather than encourage it if it concludes that legal and security obstacles persist for American companies.
We recommend that the Syrian government seize this opportunity to highlight the reforms that have been achieved and to address any legal or regulatory obstacles that may hinder investment, thereby strengthening the confidence of international investors.
Fourth: The Syrian Future Movement reiterates its consistent positions supporting the strengthening of international relations and the development of the business environment, as published on its official website, including:
- The “Gulf-American Joint Statement” (dated June 26, 2016), which welcomed international support for Syria’s sovereignty and unity.
- The statement regarding Syria’s resumption of participation in the World Customs Organization (dated June 27, 2026) affirmed that Syria’s return to international forums enhances opportunities for economic and investment cooperation.
- The statement regarding the granting of consular accreditation to the Syrian Embassy in Washington (dated June 28, 2026) welcomed the American diplomatic opening and considered it a step towards normalizing relations.
Fifth: Based on its national responsibility, the Syrian Future Movement recommends the following:
- Capitalizing on the diplomatic momentum by working to translate the amendments calling for the reopening of the embassy and the removal of the terrorism designation into concrete executive steps, similar to the amendment’s affirmation that Syria has an interest in supporting American efforts to find a suitable location for a permanent diplomatic mission in Damascus.
- Enhancing transparency in the fight against drugs through full cooperation with the American side in preparing a joint strategy to dismantle Captagon networks, while ensuring that this cooperation is within the framework of Syrian sovereignty and its laws.
- Continuing the path of economic and judicial reforms to remove obstacles that might discourage American investment and to demonstrate progress in improving the business environment, as the amendment emphasizes the need to assess legal and security barriers.
- Managing the Russian file wisely and with balance, based on the supreme national interest, and not allowing external pressures to undermine national sovereignty, while keeping channels of dialogue open with all parties.
The Syrian Future Movement reiterates its assertion that these amendments reflect a growing American interest in the Syrian issue and constitute a genuine opportunity to strengthen cooperation.
The two sides are working together in the areas of security, the economy, and diplomacy.
We emphasize that the success of this opportunity hinges on the state’s ability to continue its reform process, manage its international relations skillfully, and translate international interest into tangible development gains that improve the lives of citizens and strengthen Syria’s position as an active and stable state in the region.
For its part, the Syrian Future Movement will remain supportive, critical, and observant of this path, striving to build a new Syria on the foundations of sovereignty, dignity, and sustainable development.
