Rep. Brian Mast expressed cautious optimism about Syria’s future during a recent congressional hearing, saying Syrians are eager to move beyond years of crisis under former President Bashar al-Assad. However, Mast emphasized that meaningful change must be demonstrated through concrete actions rather than rhetoric from Syria’s new leadership.

Referencing President Ahmed al-Sharaa — who previously led Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) under the name Abu Mohammed al-Julani — Mast stated that the United States would require verifiable reforms before reconsidering sanctions policy, including those imposed under the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act.

Mast pointed to several benchmarks he believes are necessary for progress:

1. Protection of minority communities, amid reports of recent sectarian violence.
2. Clear counterterrorism cooperation, particularly regarding extremist networks operating in the region.
3. Demonstrable distancing from foreign fighters embedded in Syrian security structures.
4. Sustained coordination with U.S. partners, including Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

He acknowledged what he described as positive early steps, including a reported integration agreement between Damascus and Kurdish forces. However, Mast warned that attacks affecting U.S. allies and unresolved concerns about extremist influence within Syria’s security apparatus undermine confidence.

Given al-Sharaa’s past affiliations, Mast argued that the burden rests on Syria’s current leadership to prove a genuine political and ideological break from prior extremist ties. “Actions,” he said, must precede any shift in U.S. policy.

The remarks reflect broader congressional caution regarding normalization efforts with Syria, as lawmakers weigh humanitarian concerns, regional stability, counterterrorism objectives, and the future of U.S. sanctions enforcement.