In brief
In a historic move, two Republican congressmen embark on a fact-finding mission to Syria after a leadership change, aiming to understand the aftermath of the civil war and promote U.S.-Syrian relations.
On April 18, 2025, two Republican representatives, Cory Mills of Florida and Marlin Stutzman of Indiana, touched down in Damascus, marking a significant moment as it is the first visit by American lawmakers to Syria in several years. The visit represents a renewed interest from U.S. lawmakers in the Middle Eastern nation, particularly after recent shifts in its leadership.Joined by members of the Syrian-American community, the congressmen's visit is billed as a fact-finding mission. The lawmakers are anticipated to engage with various sectors of the government, including a meeting with the newly appointed president, Ahmed al-Shara, who assumed power after the ousting of long-standing leader Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.Their itinerary includes visits with local religious leaders, including those from Syria's Christian minority, and a tour of significant cultural sites in the city's historical center, as well as areas ravaged by the prolonged civil war that lasted nearly 14 years. A particularly somber part of their trip will be a visit to Sednaya prison, known for its notorious human rights abuses where many Syrians faced torture and execution under Assad's regime.This congressional delegation is facilitated by the Syrian American Alliance for Peace and Prosperity, a nonprofit group advocating for stronger U.S.-Syrian relations under the new administration. Dr. Tarek Kteleh, a member of the alliance and traveling party, expressed optimism about forging connections with the new leadership and addressing past grievances while fostering hope for Syria’s future.
