US Moving towards Syria Embargo?
September 2003
As we reported earlier, the US Government seems to be inching closer to placing an embargo on Syria. At this time, Syria remains highly controlled under the Export Administration Regulations, with all items in a classification other than EAR99 requiring an export or reexport license. According to press reports, the House International Relations Committee recently approved the Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act, mostly due to concerns surrounding Syria’s support of terrorists groups, which Syria of course denies.
The bill authorizes the President to impose a ban on all US exports to and US investments in Syria.
Recent terrorist attacks against Israel point towards US imposition of sanctions, but Syria’s support of the recent United States-sponsored United Nations resolution on Iraq may be an effort by Syria to convince Mr. Bush to not impose sanctions, should Congress pass the bill.
Current Washington speculation appears to point towards Congress likely passing the Syria sanctions bill before it takes its Fall break.
