US Department of State to Asharq Al-Awsat: No Leniency in Enforcing ‘Caesar Act’

US Department of State sign - Reuters
US Department of State sign - Reuters
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US Department of State to Asharq Al-Awsat: No Leniency in Enforcing ‘Caesar Act’

US Department of State sign - Reuters
US Department of State sign - Reuters

The Biden administration is yet to reveal its policy on dealing with the Syrian crisis, but many believe that Washington will continue to implement the Caesar Act, which is US legislation that sanctions the Syrian government, until matters become more clear.

“No leniency will be shown in enforcing the Caesar Act,” a Department of State spokesperson told Asharq Al-Awsat, adding that Washington will maintain diplomacy in working to facilitate humanitarian relief in Syria and finding a solution for peace in the war-torn Levantine country.

In 2019, the Caesar Act was passed under the Trump administration and was voted in by both the House of Representatives and Senate.

The new administration under President Joe Biden has taken upon itself commitment to applying the legislation without targeting trade or humanitarian aid work in Syria.

“Lebanon’s people and economy will not be targeted,” the spokesperson confirmed, quelling concerns of the sanctions affecting Syria’s neighbor.

“Certainly, the Caesar Act targets persons or entities that support the Assad regime and impede a peaceful political solution to the conflict, as called for by Security Council Resolution 2254,” they explained.

The spokesperson did not comment on the new appointments made at the Department of State. Media outlets have reported that David Brownstein will replace the former deputy Syria envoy under the Donald Trump administration, William Roebuck.

It is noteworthy that the Biden administration has also confirmed that it would not withdraw from Syria anytime soon, even for moral reasons.

Separately, State Department Spokesman Ned Price held his first press conference on Tuesday.

“When it comes to Syria, look, we will renew efforts to promote a political settlement to end Syria’s civil war in close consultations with our allies, our partners in the UN,” said Price.

“A political settlement must address the underlying causes that led to nearly a decade of civil war,” he explained.

“We will use the tools at our disposal including economic pressure to push for meaningful reform and accountability, and we’ll continue to support the UN’s role in negotiating a political settlement in line with UNSC resolution 2254.”

“We will also restore US leadership in providing humanitarian aid,” added Price.

“Syria is a humanitarian catastrophe, and we must do more to aid vulnerable Syrians displaced within Syria as well as refugees who have fled abroad,” he concluded.



Sisi, Burhan Discuss Nile Water Security, Post-War Reconstruction in Sudan

Sisi meets Al-Burhan at Al-Ittihadiya Palace in Cairo on April 28, 2025 (Egyptian Presidency). 
Sisi meets Al-Burhan at Al-Ittihadiya Palace in Cairo on April 28, 2025 (Egyptian Presidency). 
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Sisi, Burhan Discuss Nile Water Security, Post-War Reconstruction in Sudan

Sisi meets Al-Burhan at Al-Ittihadiya Palace in Cairo on April 28, 2025 (Egyptian Presidency). 
Sisi meets Al-Burhan at Al-Ittihadiya Palace in Cairo on April 28, 2025 (Egyptian Presidency). 

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi held high-level talks in Cairo on Monday with Sudanese Sovereignty Council Chairman General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, focusing on regional water security and Egypt’s role in rebuilding war-torn Sudan.

The meeting, held at Al-Ittihadiya Palace, underscored Egypt’s commitment to supporting Sudan amid its ongoing internal conflict, which has ravaged the country since April 2023. Sisi reaffirmed his country’s readiness to contribute to reconstruction efforts and help restore infrastructure destroyed by the civil war.

In a joint statement, the two leaders emphasized their continued coordination to preserve the water security of both nations and rejected unilateral measures concerning the Nile River. Egyptian presidential spokesperson Mohamed al-Shennawy said the talks also covered broader regional issues, particularly developments in the Nile Basin and the Horn of Africa.

“There is complete alignment between Egypt and Sudan on the strategic importance of shared water resources and the need for regional stability,” al-Shennawy said.

The two sides reiterated their opposition to unilateral actions related to the Blue Nile—Ethiopia’s main tributary for the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Egypt and Sudan have long called for a binding legal agreement with Ethiopia on the dam’s operation to safeguard their downstream water rights.

Al-Burhan’s visit came at the invitation of Sisi and follows a series of diplomatic contacts aimed at bolstering bilateral cooperation. Sisi personally welcomed the Sudanese leader at Cairo Airport before accompanying him to the palace for official reception ceremonies.

Talks included the recent battlefield developments in Sudan, where the Sudanese Armed Forces have reportedly regained control of the capital, Khartoum. Both leaders discussed coordinating efforts to support civilians in conflict zones and advance political and economic integration between the two countries.

In expanded discussions involving ministers and senior officials from both sides, Egypt and Sudan agreed to accelerate joint projects in key sectors such as electricity interconnection, rail infrastructure, trade, agriculture, health, industry, mining, and cultural exchange.

Sudan has been mired in civil war since mid-2023, pitting the national army against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict has displaced over 14 million people, with more than 1.2 million seeking refuge in Egypt, according to UN figures.

Sisi has consistently called for a ceasefire and stressed the importance of maintaining Sudan’s territorial integrity and institutional stability. He recently condemned plans by the RSF to announce a parallel government in areas under its control, calling the move a direct threat to Sudan’s unity and sovereignty.

Sudanese Ambassador to Cairo Imad-Eddin Adawi hailed the summit as a testament to the “depth and resilience” of Egyptian-Sudanese ties. “There is a shared political will to move forward together,” he said, adding that Egypt plays a pivotal role in mediating regional stability and facilitating dialogue among Sudanese factions.

Hossam Issa, Egypt’s former assistant foreign minister for Sudan, described al-Burhan’s visit as a “milestone” in efforts to end the conflict. “The recent military gains on the ground could pave the way for restoring governance in Khartoum and beginning the process of reconstruction,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat.