bassel ojjeh

@basselojjeh

ligaData Now! Before it nPario, Yahoo, DMX, Revenue Science, digiMine, Microsoft, Fox Software, Bowling Green and Damascus.

Palo Alto, CA

Joined October 2008

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basselojjeh retweeted

Tarek Kteleh, MD.

@tarekktelehmd

over 1 year ago

Efforts to Address Economic Sanctions on Syria: Key Developments A delegation of influential figures from the Syrian American community engaged with prominent members of the U.S. Congress yesterday, including key legislators involved in the implementation of the Caesar Act. These meetings sought to advocate for the lifting of economic sanctions or, at a minimum, the implementation of urgent exemptions to facilitate Syria’s reconstruction. Summary of Discussions with the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee office: The discussions underscored the critical need to lift sanctions or grant targeted exemptions to promote reconstruction in Syria, emphasizing: 1. Advancing U.S. national interests by fostering stability in Syria. 2. Countering extremist groups and preventing the resurgence of ISIS. 3. Addressing the urgent humanitarian need to rebuild homes and facilitate the return of displaced persons. 4. Seizing a pivotal moment to stabilize Syria in alignment with broader U.S. strategic interests. A cautious approach was articulated by the office emphasizing a "wait and see" policy linked to the actions and performance of the new Syrian government. This strategy is contingent upon meeting specific conditions, including the complete elimination of chemical weapons, securing and regulating ballistic missiles, forming an inclusive government that represents all factions, ensuring the protection of women’s and children’s rights, reducing external influences, particularly from Russia, and safeguarding the security of neighboring nations. Additionally, the importance of documenting violations and ensuring accountability is emphasized as a necessary measure to avoid unfulfilled commitments. Historical parallels were drawn to other situations, such as Afghanistan, to underscore the risks of relying on promises without concrete implementation. • Mr. Ayman Abdel Nour highlighted the improved conditions for the Christian community under the new Syrian government, emphasizing the necessity of codifying these protections in the constitution. • Dr. Hakim addressed the challenges faced by Syrian entrepreneurs due to sanctions, advocating for licensing measures to enable reconstruction efforts. • Businesswoman Alia Natafgi spoke about the significance of the current moment, emphasizing that people are exhausted from wars and desire to live in peace while securing their basic needs. She highlighted that the United States couldplay a crucial role. Engagements with the Incoming Administration: Later in the day, discussions with an official associated with the forthcoming Trump administration focused on concerns that the emerging Syrian government could devolve into authoritarianism. The official stressed the urgency of establishing a comprehensive constitutional committee in accordance with UN resolutions and prioritizing the drafting of a new constitution followed by parliamentary elections. Congressional Positions: The delegation met with several influential lawmakers, including: • Senator Todd Young, member of the Foreign Relations Committee. • Senator Tom Cotton, member of the Intelligence Committee. • Representative Joe Wilson, Chair of the House Committee on the Middle East. • Representative Brian Mast, Chair of the House Foreign Relations Committee, represented in his absence by his office director. While many congressional representatives expressed strong solidarity with the Syrian people and their plight under the Assad regime, they emphasized the necessity of maintaining sanctions as leverage to ensure the new leadership adheres to key commitments. Next Steps: The delegation plans to visit Damascus next week to relay the feedback received from U.S. policymakers. This visit is anticipated to foster dialogue and increase the likelihood of progress toward lifting sanctions. Future Outlook: There remains a possibility that the current U.S. administration may take limited steps to ease sanctions.

tarekktelehmd's tweet photo. Efforts to Address Economic Sanctions on Syria: Key Developments

A delegation of influential figures from the Syrian American community engaged with prominent members of the U.S. Congress yesterday, including key legislators involved in the implementation of the Caesar Act. These meetings sought to advocate for the lifting of economic sanctions or, at a minimum, the implementation of urgent exemptions to facilitate Syria’s reconstruction.

Summary of Discussions with the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee office:
The discussions underscored the critical need to lift sanctions or grant targeted exemptions to promote reconstruction in Syria, emphasizing:
1. Advancing U.S. national interests by fostering stability in Syria.
2. Countering extremist groups and preventing the resurgence of ISIS.
3. Addressing the urgent humanitarian need to rebuild homes and facilitate the return of displaced persons.
4. Seizing a pivotal moment to stabilize Syria in alignment with broader U.S. strategic interests.
A cautious approach was articulated by the office emphasizing a "wait and see" policy linked to the actions and performance of the new Syrian government. This strategy is contingent upon meeting specific conditions, including the complete elimination of chemical weapons, securing and regulating ballistic missiles, forming an inclusive government that represents all factions, ensuring the protection of women’s and children’s rights, reducing external influences, particularly from Russia, and safeguarding the security of neighboring nations.
Additionally, the importance of documenting violations and ensuring accountability is emphasized as a necessary measure to avoid unfulfilled commitments. Historical parallels were drawn to other situations, such as Afghanistan, to underscore the risks of relying on promises without concrete implementation.

• Mr. Ayman Abdel Nour highlighted the improved conditions for the Christian community under the new Syrian government, emphasizing the necessity of codifying these protections in the constitution.
• Dr. Hakim addressed the challenges faced by Syrian entrepreneurs due to sanctions, advocating for licensing measures to enable reconstruction efforts.
• Businesswoman Alia Natafgi spoke about the significance of the current moment, emphasizing that people are exhausted from wars and desire to live in peace while securing their basic needs. She highlighted that the United States couldplay a crucial role.
Engagements with the Incoming Administration:
Later in the day, discussions with an official associated with the forthcoming Trump administration focused on concerns that the emerging Syrian government could devolve into authoritarianism. The official stressed the urgency of establishing a comprehensive constitutional committee in accordance with UN resolutions and prioritizing the drafting of a new constitution followed by parliamentary elections.
Congressional Positions:
The delegation met with several influential lawmakers, including:
• Senator Todd Young, member of the Foreign Relations Committee.
• Senator Tom Cotton, member of the Intelligence Committee.
• Representative Joe Wilson, Chair of the House Committee on the Middle East.
• Representative Brian Mast, Chair of the House Foreign Relations Committee, represented in his absence by his office director.
While many congressional representatives expressed strong solidarity with the Syrian people and their plight under the Assad regime, they emphasized the necessity of maintaining sanctions as leverage to ensure the new leadership adheres to key commitments.
Next Steps:
The delegation plans to visit Damascus next week to relay the feedback received from U.S. policymakers. This visit is anticipated to foster dialogue and increase the likelihood of progress toward lifting sanctions.
Future Outlook:
There remains a possibility that the current U.S. administration may take limited steps to ease sanctions.

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