ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - A group of US senators on Thursday called on Damascus authorities to respect the rights of minorities in Syria, urging the transitional government to be inclusive of all religious and ethnic communities amid growing demands for decentralization, which have so far been met with violence.
Senators John Cornyn, Jeanne Shaheen, Ruben Gallego, Cory Booker, and Ben Ray Lujan, speaking to Rudaw’s Diyar Kurda, emphasized that Damascus must guarantee the rights of all religious and ethnic minorities.
The senators also discussed the influence of militia groups in Iraq and Iran’s nuclear program - issues they view as significant threats to regional stability.
"Well, I’m very happy that Bashar al-Assad is gone. He ran a terror regime in Syria, but all the various ethnic groups need to be respected. My hope is that Syria will transition into a partner with the United States and other countries in the region, but they have a long way to go, and they have to prove themselves along the way," Senator Cornyn said. He added that "respecting minority rights is one of the most important steps."
Senator Jeanne Shaheen stressed accountability for those responsible for atrocities against Syrians.
"I had the chance to visit Syria in August, and everywhere I went, I heard from religious leaders that they want stability," Shaheen said. "We want those responsible for threats and atrocities against the Syrian people to be held accountable. We want religious freedom and a united country. With international support, I hope Syria can follow this path."
Following a swift offensive in early December last year, a coalition of opposition forces led by the now-dissolved jihadist group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) toppled Assad’s regime, ending nearly 14 years of civil war. In late January, HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa was appointed interim president and pledged to pursue an inclusive political process.
However, Sharaa’s government has faced criticism for controversial moves. In March, he signed a constitutional declaration emphasizing Islamic jurisprudence, drawing backlash from Syria’s Christian, Druze, Kurdish, and Alawite communities, who viewed it as exclusionary. His highly centralized approach to power also drew condemnation.
Post-war violence has continued. Deadly clashes erupted in mid-July between Druze fighters and Sunni Bedouin tribes in southern Suwayda province, escalating further with the involvement of Syrian government forces before a ceasefire on July 19. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the Suwayda violence claimed nearly 2,000 lives, including around 765 Druze civilians, many executed by defense and interior ministry forces.
In March, fighting in Alawite-majority coastal regions erupted after Assad loyalists attacked forces aligned with the interim leadership. The clashes left 1,700 dead, mostly Alawite civilians, with many casualties attributed to pro-government forces.
Senator Gallego emphasized the importance of human rights in Syria’s new government.
"We expect the new Syrian government to respect everyone’s religion, embrace human rights, and not become a satellite of the Ayatollah’s regime. They must move toward more progressive, Western standards of human rights," he said.
Senator Booker expressed confidence that Damascus authorities would uphold minority rights.
"Syria has a chance to embrace democracy, liberty, and human rights for its people," he said. "There is urgency right now, and I will do everything I can to support the people of Syria in rebuilding their nation after these horrible tragedies."
Senator Lujan echoed the sentiment, stressing that respect for all people is central to his work.
"My job is to make a positive difference in people’s lives. Treat people with respect and dignity, no matter where they are," he said.
Autonomy in Syria
Syria’s Kurdish, Alawite, and Druze communities have called for a decentralized system of governance, citing decades of marginalization under Assad’s Ba’ath regime.
"That’s one of the things that needs to be worked out," Shaheen said. "But Syrians want a united country that provides freedom of religion, protection for ethnic minorities, addresses human rights abuses, and holds perpetrators accountable."
On March 10, Mazloum Abdi, commander of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), and interim President Sharaa signed an agreement to bring civil and military institutions in Rojava under centralized state control and establish a nationwide ceasefire. Implementation talks continue, with disputes over whether Kurdish fighters should be integrated collectively or individually into the regular army.
A representative of the Kurdish-led administration in Washington told Rudaw that members of the US Congress support “federalism” in Syria as discussions about the country’s political future continue.
Iran-backed armed factions in Iraq
Regarding Iran-backed armed factions in Iraq, Senator Gallego described Iran as a destabilizing force.
"These militias are dangerous, not just to US forces but to Iraqi governance itself," he said, adding they will have to be "disbanded".
Iran maintains influence over several Iraqi groups, which have previously targeted US interests. Washington has taken measures to limit Tehran’s sway, including rescinding a waiver allowing Iraq to buy Iranian electricity and designating four Iran-backed militias as foreign terrorist organizations in September.
Reports this week indicated that Iraq’s Committee for Freezing Terrorist Assets ordered a freeze on properties linked to Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthis, both Iranian proxies. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani described the listing as an “error” and ordered an investigation. The Iraqi presidency distanced itself from the move. A US State Department spokesperson said the decision was "disappointing."
Iran's nuclear program
Senator Cornyn warned that Iran’s nuclear program poses an "existential threat to the region, including Israel," and threatens Middle East peace.
His comments follow accusations from European diplomats that Iran continues to violate international obligations by restricting UN inspectors’ access to nuclear sites.
UN sanctions were reimposed in September after France, Germany, and the UK triggered a snapback mechanism under the 2015 nuclear deal, citing Iran’s nuclear escalation.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) estimates that roughly 400 kilograms of highly enriched uranium - enough for several nuclear weapons - remains unaccounted for. Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful.
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