By Patricia Zengerle

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Republican and Democratic U.S. senators indicate it's premature to lift sanctions on Syria following President Bashar al-Assad's removal, implying U.S. policy won't change soon.

Senator Jim Risch, the top Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, expressed satisfaction about Assad's departure, stating, "We're all really happy that Assad is gone. We worked at it for a long, long time, and the job is done. The problem is, what comes next?"

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a former al-Qaeda affiliate responsible for ousting Assad, is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and most nations.

Risch emphasized the need for caution, highlighting rebel leaders' encouraging statements about unity and human rights, but questioning their actions moving forward.

Beginning in January, Risch will chair the foreign relations panel managing U.S. diplomacy as Donald Trump, the incoming president, insists on non-involvement in the Syrian conflict.

Proponents of lifting sanctions suggest issuing waivers could foster economic growth and foreign investment, providing essential funding for the new government to rebuild.

FOCUS ON HUMAN RIGHTS

In contrast, opponents argue the risks are too high without assurance that the rebels will respect human rights and refrain from attacking minority groups. Senior Democrats have also urged caution.

Senator Ben Cardin, current committee chairman, mentioned that it's premature to determine if the new regime will change their approach. Senator Chris Murphy, a chair of the Middle East subcommittee, echoed that it’s too early to lift sanctions due to the rebels' past terrorist links. However, he emphasized the necessity of maintaining communication with Syria's new authorities amidst competition among global powers.

Murphy suggested that the U.S. should not alienate itself, given the significant assets and troop presence in Syria.

Sanctions limit material support but do not prohibit communication with the Syrian government. While some congressional calls exist to ease sanctions, the predominant view remains against it.

Recently, the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), extending the "Caesar sanctions" until 2029, impacting businesses in Syria and entities tied to Syria, Russia, and Iran. The NDAA is expected to pass the Senate next week and reach President Joe Biden, who is likely to sign it into law.