U.S. congressional visit aims to foster relations and assess post-civil war conditions
G.O.P. Lawmakers Make Historic Visit to Syria Amid Leadership Change
G.O.P. Lawmakers Make Historic Visit to Syria Amid Leadership Change
Rep. Cory Mills and Rep. Marlin Stutzman Engage with New Syrian Government
On April 18, 2025, two Republican lawmakers, Rep. Cory Mills from Florida and Rep. Marlin Stutzman from Indiana, made a landmark visit to Damascus, Syria, marking the first trip by U.S. lawmakers to the nation in several years. This visit comes as an indication of renewed interest from the Republican party in the region following recent governmental changes. The congressmen were set to engage with Syria's new president, Ahmed al-Shara, and various ministers in a fact-finding mission accompanied by members of the Syrian community in the U.S.
During their stay, the politicians planned visits to crucial historical sites in the old city of Damascus and also to the suburbs that bore the brunt of Syria’s intense civil war, which lasted nearly 14 years. Additionally, the congressional delegation expressed intentions to meet with religious leaders representing Syria's Christian minority to gain insights into the current socio-religious dynamics of the nation.
A critical stop on their itinerary was the infamous Sednaya prison, notorious for its alleged torture and execution practices under the previous regime of Bashar al-Assad, who was ousted in December 2024. This visit was coordinated by the Syrian American Alliance for Peace and Prosperity, a nonprofit organization striving to bridge U.S.-Syrian relations. Dr. Tarek Kteleh, a prominent member of the alliance and rheumatologist, accompanied the congressmen on this significant diplomatic mission.
During their stay, the politicians planned visits to crucial historical sites in the old city of Damascus and also to the suburbs that bore the brunt of Syria’s intense civil war, which lasted nearly 14 years. Additionally, the congressional delegation expressed intentions to meet with religious leaders representing Syria's Christian minority to gain insights into the current socio-religious dynamics of the nation.
A critical stop on their itinerary was the infamous Sednaya prison, notorious for its alleged torture and execution practices under the previous regime of Bashar al-Assad, who was ousted in December 2024. This visit was coordinated by the Syrian American Alliance for Peace and Prosperity, a nonprofit organization striving to bridge U.S.-Syrian relations. Dr. Tarek Kteleh, a prominent member of the alliance and rheumatologist, accompanied the congressmen on this significant diplomatic mission.
