CRS Says Some in Congress Want Harsher Sanctions Against Syria
On April 28, 2011, the Congressional Research Service issued a report (RL33487) stating that congressional attitudes toward Syria may be reshaped as the Assad government uses force to contain growing protests across the country and as it continues to grow more estranged from the U.S. and improves relations with Iran.
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According to the report, the Administration has attempted to promote U.S. engagement with Syria with several Congressional delegations to the country, and that prior to the unrest, appeared to be shifting toward applying more pressure to the Syrian government. However, CRS reports that the Administration's policy of limited engagement with Syria to address areas of longstanding concern (such as sponsorship of terrorism, etc.) has been met with criticism, including from Members of Congress. The CRS states critics believe further pressure should be applied to the Syrian government and implementation of harsher economic sanctions against it be considered.
The CRS notes, however, that other lawmakers may seek to continue U.S. engagement with Syria as a means of mitigating the potentially negative consequences of the unrest, such as the destabilization of its neighbors.
(See ITT's Online Archives or 05/18/11 and 04/29/11 news, 11051844 and 11042948, for BP summaries of the President issuing Executive Orders to expand upon other EOs, to block the property and interests of additional members of the Syrian government.
See ITT's Online Archives or 05/06/11 news, 11050643, for BP summary of Representatives of the House Foreign Affairs Committee asking the President to fully implement sanctions laws targeting Syria.)