WASHINGTON, Jan. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Today, a group of Syrian-Americans representing a diverse coalition of organizations and communities, convened with the Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken to discuss Syria’s future following the historic fall of the Assad regime. Held at the U.S. Department of State, the meeting signifies a pivotal step in fostering collaboration between the U.S. government and the Syrian-American community to address Syria’s transition and recovery.
With the Assad regime’s oppressive 54-year rule officially ended, Syrians are navigating an unprecedented transition toward freedom, unity, and democracy. The discussion addressed immediate and long-term challenges critical to ensuring a stable, inclusive, and prosperous Syria.
The key priorities discussed in the meeting included reopening the U.S. Embassy in Damascus to signal commitment to stabilization, lifting sanctions and promoting economic recovery, ensuring humanitarian aid and equitable growth, fostering unity by integrating the Syrian Democratic Forces, addressing destabilizing actions by external actors and Israeli incursions in Syria, and engaging the Syrian diaspora in governance reforms. Additional focus was placed on advancing transitional justice, supporting long-term rebuilding, maintaining Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Syrians in the U.S., and fostering collaboration for Syria’s democratic and economic recovery. Syrian-Americans also highlighted the need to support a comprehensive road map towards a constitutional process for the ongoing political transition, and achieve an inclusive government that meets the Syrian people’s expectations. These measures aim to address the scars of conflict while fostering hope, peace, and progress.
The meeting featured a coalition of organizations and community members, who have long championed the rights and futures of Syrians globally. This dialogue represents a renewed partnership between the U.S. government and Syrian-Americans, unified in their commitment to rebuilding a free, democratic, and prosperous Syria.
Wael Alzayat
CEO, Emgage
National Coordinator, American Coalition for Syria
Rana Domat Alkoutami
Vice President, Syrian Christians USA
Jay Salkini
President & CEO, Tecore Networks
Ismael Basha
President, Americans for Free Syria
Qutaiba Idlbi
Senior Fellow, Atlantic Council
Senior Policy Advisor, American Coalition for Syria
Suzanne Meriden
Director of Community & Partner Relations, Syrian American Council
Farouk Belal
President, Syrian American Council
Oubab Khalil
Entrepreneur
Muhammad Bakr Ghbeis
Board Member, Citizens for Secure & Safe America
Jihad Makdissi
Syrian-American politician
Yassar Bitar
Organizational Development Lead, Syrian American Council
Maher Sharafeddine
Writer
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SOURCE Syrian Americans
