Syria: Issues for Congress and Background on U.S. Sanctions

Jeremy M. Sharp | Congressional Research Service | 2010-12-21

Despite its weak military and lackluster economy, Syria remains relevant in Middle Eastern geopolitics, according to this report, which asserts that "Syria plays a key role in the Middle East peace process, acting at times as a 'spoiler' by sponsoring Palestinian militants and facilitating the rearmament of Hezbollah." Within the context of the Obama administration's pressure on Syria to play a constructive role in stabilizing Lebanon and advancing the Arab-Israeli peace process, the report contends that U.S.-Syrian relations may be headed toward more tense footing, and that some in Congress may choose to impose new sanctions against the Asad regime.