Policy Update: Religious Freedom And U.S. Policy in Post-Assad SYRIA

With the fall of the Assad regime, Syria enters a volatile phase marked by power shifts, sectarian violence, and uncertainty about religious freedom. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) highlights both opportunities for progress and the alarming rise in targeted attacks against religious minorities under the transitional HTS-led authorities. As U.S. sanctions policy evolves, the report urges conditioning relief on measurable improvements in religious freedom and accountability for abuses. The complex landscape demands careful U.S. engagement to support inclusive governance and protect fundamental rights amid ongoing instability.