In brief
In a significant move, American lawmakers engage with Syria's new government as the country seeks to rebuild after years of conflict.
On April 18, 2025, Republican Representatives Cory Mills of Florida and Marlin Stutzman of Indiana arrived in Damascus, marking the first visit by U.S. lawmakers to Syria in several years. Their presence indicates a growing attention from the GOP towards the war-torn nation following recent political changes. Accompanied by a delegation from the Syrian American community, the congressmen are on a fact-finding mission aimed at understanding the current situation in Syria. Their itinerary includes meetings with government officials, including the newly appointed president, Ahmed al-Shara, as well as discussions with religious leaders that represent the country's diverse faiths, including the Christian minority. The lawmakers also plan to tour cultural heritage sites in the historic city of Damascus and observe areas heavily impacted by nearly 14 years of civil war. A notable stop on their journey will be Sednaya prison, infamous for its reported human rights abuses during the regime of Bashar al-Assad, who was ousted from power in December 2024. The congressional visit, arranged by the Indiana-based nonprofit Syrian American Alliance for Peace and Prosperity, demonstrates an initiative to foster better relations between the U.S. and the new Syrian administration. Dr. Tarek Kteleh, a member of the alliance, is part of the traveling group and aims to support the rebuilding process in Syria.
