In brief
In a historic visit, two Republican lawmakers assess post-war developments in Syria.
On April 18, 2025, two Republican congressmen, Rep. Cory Mills from Florida and Rep. Marlin Stutzman from Indiana, marked a significant moment with their arrival in Damascus, Syria. This visit, being the first by American legislators in several years, underscores a renewed interest in the nation following a regime change.During their time in the capital, the congressmen aimed to meet with Syria's recently appointed president, Ahmed al-Shara, alongside several government ministers. They were joined by members of the Syrian expatriate community. This trip, according to organizers, is primarily a fact-finding mission intended to foster a deeper understanding of the evolving political landscape in Syria after nearly 14 years of civil war. The agenda includes discussions with influential religious figures from various communities, notably the Christian minority, as well as an exploration of historical sites within the ancient city of Damascus. Additionally, the lawmakers plan to visit the infamous Sednaya prison, a place notorious for the human rights abuses under the previous administration of Bashar al-Assad, who was removed from power in December 2024 by a coalition of rebel forces led by al-Shara.Dr. Tarek Kteleh, a rheumatologist and member of the Indiana-based nonprofit Syrian American Alliance for Peace and Prosperity, organized the congressional trip. The group aims to enhance diplomatic relations between the United States and the new governance of Syria, marking a potential shift in American policy towards the region.
