US removing Syria as sponsor of terror is 'blow' to victims, impacts on sectarian violence unknown
The Anti-Defamation League is still in the process of suing Syria on behalf of 130 US citizens who were killed or injured on October 7 and family members of American victims.
The United States has removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, dealing a "heavy blow" to American victims of Syrian-sponsored terrorism, according to lawyer Aryeh Portnoy. The move, which took effect after a 45-day congressional review period, was in recognition of the Syrian government's commitment to distance itself from acts of international terrorism.
However, American victims argue that declaring Syria "open for business" without addressing the victims' experiences is devastating. The US Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund may not require Syria to pay any amount toward outstanding judgments or future lawsuits. Meanwhile, other countries removed from the list, such as Libya, were expected to compensate US victims.
Experts believe that delisting Syria could provide an opportunity for the country to tackle sectarian violence, but this will depend on the actions of the new authorities and their commitment to protecting all Syrians, regardless of their sect or identity.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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