[WASHINGTON, DC] – Citizens for a Secure and Safe America (C4SSA), a Syrian American advocacy group, is closely monitoring the recent advancements made by opposition forces in Syria. These developments reflect the ongoing efforts of displaced Syrians to reclaim their homes and families from the oppressive grip of the Assad regime, Iran, and Hezbollah. C4SSA reiterates its unwavering support for the Syrian people’s right to demand a political transition and shape a future grounded in justice, dignity, and sovereignty.

The momentum on the ground presents an opportunity for the United States and the international community to reassess their approach to the Syrian crisis. As National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan recently stated, the Assad regime, backed by Iran and Hezbollah, poses a direct threat to stability and U.S. interests in the region. Supporting Syrians’ efforts to reclaim their homeland diminishes the influence of these malign actors while advancing humanitarian and geopolitical priorities.

C4SSA calls for urgent international action, emphasizing:

1. Immediate End to Airstrikes on Civilians: We demand an immediate halt to the Assad regime’s use of air forces to bombard hospitals, universities, and densely populated city centers in Aleppo and Idlib. These war crimes exacerbate the suffering of civilians and undermine any prospects for stability and reconciliation.
2. Preventing Militant Influx: We call on the Iraqi government to immediately stop the influx of Shia militants into Syria. Their continued presence fuels conflict, prolongs displacement, and destabilizes the region further.
3. Support for Displaced Syrians Reclaiming Their Land: The forces driving these advancements are displaced Syrians seeking to return to their homes and families, free from the fear of violence and repression. Ensuring their success is critical to addressing the refugee crisis by creating conditions for safe and voluntary return.
4. Implementation of UNSCR 2254: These developments provide a chance to reengage with the political process outlined in United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254, which has been stalled by the Assad regime since 2015. A political transition is essential to achieving a lasting resolution to the crisis.
5. Eroding Iran and Hezbollah’s Influence: Supporting these movements diminishes the territorial control of Iran and Hezbollah, reducing their ability to destabilize the region and project power.
6. Reassessing Humanitarian Assistance: Limiting the regime’s control over UN humanitarian aid weakens its ability to weaponize international assistance and profit from the suffering of the Syrian people.

“The recent developments are a clear signal from displaced Syrians that they will not accept a future dominated by the Assad regime, Iran, or Hezbollah,” said George Stifo, Chairman of C4SSA. “This movement reflects the Syrian people’s determination to reclaim their land, rebuild their lives, and demand a political transition that aligns with their aspirations for freedom and justice. The international community must act to protect civilians, stop the influx of foreign fighters, and support the Syrian people’s demand for a future free of tyranny and violence.”

C4SSA urges the United States and its allies to support the Syrians in their efforts, recognizing that this movement has the potential to advance key U.S. interests in the region by curtailing Iranian and Hezbollah influence and reducing the strain of the ongoing refugee crisis.

A free, democratic, and sovereign Syria is not only a moral imperative but a strategic necessity. The international community must act decisively to amplify the voices of Syrians, enable their return to their homes, and reinvigorate the path to peace outlined in UNSCR 2254.

For media inquiries or more information, please contact:

C4SSA Media Relations

Email: info@c4ssa.org

About C4SSA:

Citizens for a Secure and Safe America (C4SSA) is a Syrian American advocacy organization dedicated to promoting justice, democracy, and human rights in Syria. Through policy advocacy, public engagement, and collaboration with international stakeholders, C4SSA strives to amplify Syrian voices and work toward a free and democratic Syria.

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Washington, D.C. — Citizens for a Secure and Safe America (C4SSA) strongly supports the United States’ decision to join an international working group aimed at promoting accountability for the use of chemical weapons. This coalition of twelve nations held its first session on September 27th in The Hague, marking a crucial step in the global pursuit of justice for victims of these heinous crimes.

The Syrian people have suffered profoundly from the Assad regime’s repeated use of chemical weapons against innocent civilians. These horrific attacks have claimed thousands of lives, destroyed entire communities, and created an enduring climate of fear. The use of chemical weapons is not only a gross violation of international law but also a direct assault on human dignity. It sends a dangerous signal to other perpetrators that they will face no accountability for their actions and weakens the international order that safeguards civilian lives.

The formation of this group, officially known as the Working Group to Advance Proposals for International Criminal Accountability for Chemical Weapons Use, represents a timely and critical move toward addressing the legal and policy challenges of holding war criminals accountable. Justice for the victims and survivors in Syria is long overdue, and enforcing accountability is essential to preventing future atrocities, both in Syria and around the world.

“We commend the United States for joining this critical initiative and standing with the Syrian people in their pursuit of justice,” said C4SSA President George Stifo. “The world cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering caused by chemical weapons. We urge all nations to support efforts to bring those responsible to justice and to ensure that such crimes never happen again. The Assad regime has evaded meaningful accountability for gassing its own people for more than a decade. It’s time Bashar al-Assad and his regime are brought to justice for their crimes.”

C4SSA calls for a robust international framework that holds perpetrators accountable and offers justice to survivors and their families. As discussions in The Hague continue, we are hopeful that this initiative will lead to meaningful progress in addressing impunity for the use of chemical weapons in Syria and beyond.

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Washington, D.C. – Today, the Syria Accountability Working Group (SAWG), an initiative by Citizens for a Safe and Secure America (C4SSA) in partnership with the Public International Law & Policy Group (PILPG), released its critical report, titled “Fighting 13 Years of Impunity: Accountability Opportunities for United States Leadership in Responding to Mass Atrocities in Syria.”

The report highlights the relentless conflict that has plagued Syria for 13 years, resulting in systematic atrocities and immense human suffering at the hands of the Assad regime. With over 13 million Syrians displaced, half a million killed, and humanitarian conditions worsening, the international community faces a critical moment for accountability.

“Despite some measures taken, including political condemnation, sanctions, and domestic trials in Europe, comprehensive accountability remains elusive for the vast majority of Syrian perpetrators, particularly high-level offenders,” the report states. The atrocities documented include torture, chemical weapon use, and starvation, tactics primarily attributed to the Assad regime.

The report calls for decisive action at the domestic and international level. It stresses the importance of addressing the crimes committed by the Assad regime to uphold international norms and provide justice for victims. The report’s recommendations include:

• International tribunal for war crimes, use of chemical weapons, and/or other atrocities in Syria: U.S. policy makers should support the creation of an Exceptional Chemical Weapons Tribunal (“ECWT”) and share information that they have on file, including through non-proliferation departments. 
• Fact finding and evidence gathering mechanisms: The U.S. should continue to support such bodies by: (a) supporting the extension of the COI’s mandate in July 2024; (b) lending robust U.S. and partner cooperation to these bodies, including through effective information and evidence sharing; and (c) continuing to finance these mechanisms, as it has done with the IIIM and support the Syrian Network for Human Rights SNHR, and to include the IIMP. 
• Expand intelligence cooperation and sharing: The U.S. and partner nations should expand sharing of intelligence about alleged perpetrators of atrocities so that countries with extra-territorial jurisdiction laws are able to apprehend and bring them to justice when they cross into their territory. Better coordination can lead to cross-border apprehensions and prosecutions.
• Push for accountability for crimes committed against U.S. citizens: U.S. authorities are presently investigating the tragic killing of a U.S. citizen, Layla Shweikani, 26, an aid worker who was reportedly executed by Syrian intelligence guards following a false confession to crimes she did not commit, which was given as a result of extensive torture at the hands of the Assad regime. While not an international investigation, it represents a small yet important step toward accountability for some of the regime’s crimes. The U.S. Justice Department should redouble its efforts to expedite and intensify this investigation and other similar investigations, such as the case of Majd Kamalmaz, to ensure justice for the perpetrators of these hideous crimes. 
• Support victim rehabilitation, justice, and reparation efforts: In 2023, Lafarge S.A., a global building materials manufacturer, and its Syrian subsidiary pleaded guilty in a U.S. court for material support for terrorism by entering into a revenue-sharing agreement with ISIS in Syria. The guilty plea resulted in $778 million in fines and forfeiture. To the extent appropriate, policy makers should direct these funds to support Syrian survivors of all atrocities committed in Syria . 
• Extra-territorial jurisdiction: Extra-territorial jurisdiction prosecutions remain crucial avenues for individual accountability. The U.S. should support countries with forward leaning extra-territorial jurisdiction laws through intelligence and evidence sharing and prosecutorial expertise to promote accountability. With the adoption of the U.S. Justice for Victims of War Crimes Act, the U.S. has begun to advance such initiatives domestically in the U.S., which should be developed and utilized as appropriate. 
• International Court of Justice and other international fora: In the absence of comprehensive individual accountability for atrocities in Syria, proceedings against Syria in the International Court of Justice initiated by The Netherlands and Canada under the UN Convention Against Torture represent a key avenue to establish truthful narratives and vindicate those victims, survivors, and their families of the Assad regime’s atrocities. The Netherlands and Canada have also put a marker on chemical weapons as a form of torture through their ICJ-based litigation against Syria. The U.S. should share all relevant information and evidence to support the case. In addition, the ICC and other international fora should be explored as additional means of bringing perpetrators to justice. 
• Targeted sanctions: Sanctions remain as an essential tool to combat the Assad regime’s ability to continue its atrocities, cement control over the population, and re-integrate itself within the region. 

“Fighting 13 Years of Impunity” serves as a crucial tool for policymakers, offering actionable insights and strategies to restore justice and accountability in Syria. The report underscores the need for U.S. leadership in confronting these egregious violations and preventing further atrocities.

To access the full report, please visit c4ssa.org/sawg/

For more on the Syria Accountability Working Group, watch our launch event here and our updates session here.

Additionally, the full sessions from C4SSA’s 2024 Annual Conference are available here.

About Citizens for a Safe and Secure America (C4SSA):
C4SSA is dedicated to promoting peace, freedom, and democracy in Syria.. Through research, advocacy, and partnerships, C4SSA strives to create a safer global community.

About the Public International Law & Policy Group (PILPG):
PILPG is a global pro bono law firm providing legal assistance to states and governments involved in conflicts. PILPG’s mission is to promote peace, democracy, and justice.

Endorsements:

Dr. Muhammad Bakr Ghbeis – Board Member, Citizens for a Secure and Safe America (C4SSA)

George Stifo – President, Citizens for a Secure and Safe America (C4SSA)

Dr. Paul R. Williams – Co-founder, Public International Law & Policy Group (PILPG)

Prof. Milena Sterio – Managing Director, Public International Law & Policy Group (PILPG)

Fadel Abdulghany – Co-founder, Syria Network for Human Rights

Amb. Stephen Rapp – Bernstein Genocide Prevention Fellow, Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide

Mazen Darwish – Director, Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression

Jason Steinbaum – Founder & President, The Chesterbrook Group

Amb. Michel Duclos – Special Advisor and Resident Senior Fellow, Institut Montaigne

Amb. Fredric Hof – Senior Fellow, Bard College Center for Civic Engagement.

Amb. Joel Rayburn – Co-founder & Director, American Center for the Levant Studies

Anwar Al-Bunni – President, Syrian Center for Legal Studies and Research

Rania Kisar – Co-founder & Chief Operating Officer, American Center for the Levant Studies

Mouaz Moustafa – Director, Syrian Emergency Task Force (SETF)

Haytham Albizem – President, Global Justice

Craig Martin – Professor of Law, Washburn University School of Law

Patrick Keenan – Professor of Law, University of Illinois College of Law

Michael Scharf – Professor of Law, Case Western Reserve University School of Law

Michael Doran – Board Member, American Center for the Levant Studies

Mark Ellis – Executive Director, International Bar Association

Mark Drumbl – Class of 1975 Alumni Professor, Washington and Lee University School of Law

Michael Kelly – The Senator Allen A. Sekt Endowed Chair in Law Professor, Creighton University School of Law

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WASHINGTON, D.C.– The Syrian Emergency Task Force (SETF), Citizens for a Safe and Secure America (C4SSA), and Global Justice are proud to announce that on May 22, 2024, the House Armed Services Committee has approved amendment 4484 the Hope for Syria Act to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) (H.R.8070), introduced by Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC), Seth Moulton (D-MA), and Marc Veasy (D-TX) which contains a number of provisions concerning Syria. The amendment to the NDAA includes the following items:  

• Developing a strategy to protect the United States and partner forces at Al-Tanf Garrison in Syria from the threat of Iran-backed militias, ISIS, the Russian Federation, and the Assad regime.  
• Continued and expanded collaboration between Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) and non-governmental organizations to provide essential aid for civilians in Rukban IDP Camp near al-Tanf.  
• Reporting on the Assad regime’s cooperation, assistance, and association with the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS).  
• Submitting a strategy to disrupt and degrade threats to the national security of the United States caused by Iran-backed militias in Syria. 
• Developing a report and building a strategy to utilize existing authorities to counter Russia’s support of foreign terrorist organizations and specially designated global terrorists in Syria.  
• Prohibition of recognition or normalization with the Assad regime.  

The adoption of this amendment is important for the provision of humanitarian aid to internally displaced civilians in need in Rukban camp, near the US al-Tanf Garrison, as well as for the protection of US forces in the region. Furthermore, the inclusion of a clause regarding the US non recognition of the Assad regime as the legitimate government of Syria is a step against normalization of this criminal regime. We applaud the efforts to include this important amendment to this year’s NDAA and urge members to support it in the House and the Senate moving forward. 

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PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 14, 2024

[WASHINGTON, DC] – Citizens for a Secure and Safe America (C4SSA) praises today’s passage of the bipartisan Assad Regime Anti-Normalization Act (H.R. 3202) in the House of Representatives. The bill, which combats normalization with the Assad regime, passed by a vote of [389-32]. 

“The Assad Regime Anti-Normalization Act is a vital tool to press countries which are warming up to the brutal Assad regime. I would like to thank the House of Representatives for passing this critical legislation,” said Muhammad Bakr Ghbeis, President of C4SSA.

The Assad Regime Anti-Normalization Act (H.R. 3202) comes as a long overdue response to the wave of normalization with the Assad regime that took place throughout the past year. The regional effort to reengage with the pariah state granted Assad a seat at the Arab League, ultimately undermining the pursuit of peace, justice, and accountability. This newly passed bill, however, aims to put an end to normalization with the criminal Assad regime. 

This bipartisan bill would prohibit the United States federal government from recognizing or normalizing relations with any Syrian government led by Assad and expand sanctions available under the “Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019” to combat normalization by other countries. The bill includes several modifications to the Caesar Act that would ensure continued humanitarian aid to the Syrian people by closing loopholes used by the regime to evade consequences and sanction those involved in diverting or stealing humanitarian aid. 

Additionally, the bill requires the US government to actively oppose normalization by other countries with any government led by Assad. The bill also directs the President to develop an interagency strategy to provide Congress with reports on normalization with the Assad regime as well as the manipulation of the United Nations by the Assad regime. 

We commend the representatives who played a crucial role in getting this legislation passed and urge senators to support its swift passage in the upper chamber.

For press inquiries, please contact: info@c4ssa.org

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PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JANUARY 29, 2024

[WASHINGTON, DC] – Citizens for a Secure and Safe America (C4SSA), the Syrian Emergency Task Force (SETF), and the Syrian Institute for Progress (SI4P), three Syrian American non-profit organizations, express their deepest condolences and grief over the tragic loss of three U.S. service members soldiers in a drone strike near the Syrian border in northeast Jordan. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and loved ones of the courageous individuals who sacrificed their lives in service to their country.

This attack, attributed to Iran-backed militias, underscores the urgent need to address the growing threat posed by these groups. C4SSA, SETF, and SI4P emphasize that the alliance between the Assad regime in Syria and Iran has significantly contributed to the escalation of tensions in the region, culminating in the loss of American lives.

The United States, along with its allies, must take decisive actions to identify and hold accountable those responsible for this reprehensible act. C4SSA, SETF, and SI4P stand united with the international community in advocating for a strategic response to ensure the safety of American troops and regional stability.

As details continue to emerge, it is essential to recognize the role of the Assad regime in perpetuating instability. Syria remains a launch pad for Iranian-backed forces. The Syrian government’s complicity in allowing Iran-backed militias to operate freely within its borders poses a direct threat to the security of the entire region.

The attack, carried out by a large drone at the US base known as Tower 22, resulted in the tragic loss of American lives and left at least 34 more injured. This attack is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by Iran-backed militias empowered by the Assad regime. The proximity of the strike to the troops’ sleeping quarters highlights the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to counter the influence of these dangerous alliances.

The escalating attacks on US military installations, witnessed more than 60 times in Iraq and over 90 times in Syria, highlight the urgent need for the international community to address the root cause of the problem. C4SSA, SETF, and SI4P reiterate their commitment to advocating for a secure and stable Middle East, free from the oppressive forces of the Assad regime and its dangerous alliance with Iran.5

We call on the international community to join hands in addressing this critical issue and stand against the Iranian-backed militias that threaten peace and security in the region. C4SSA, SETF, and SI4P mourn the loss of the American soldiers and remain resolute in their mission to promote a safer and more secure future for all.

For press inquiries, please contact:

Operations Manager

Citizens for a Secure and Safe America

info@c4ssa.org

Maria Cure, Director of Communications

Syrian Emergency Task Force

mcure@setf.ngo |+1 (202) 285-5755

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The post URGENT JOINT STATEMENT: Citizens for a Secure and Safe America, the Syrian Emergency Task Force, and the Syrian Institute for Progress Condemn Attack on US Forces in Jordan and Mourn Fallen American Soldiers appeared first on C4SSA.

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PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OCTOBER 10, 2023

WASHINGTON D.C.– On October 5, 2023, the Assad regime initiated an unprovoked, intensive campaign of aerial attacks on civilians across northwest Syria which has killed at least 46 civilians, in addition to wounding hundreds. Over the past five days, the Assad regime has indiscriminately and relentlessly shelled over 1,100 locations in Idlib and western Aleppo with internationally banned phosphorus and cluster bombs, and has bombed residential neighborhoods using missiles carrying internationally banned incendiary munitions. To this day, the regime and Russia continue to escalate their attacks, which include targets such as schools, internally displaced people (IDPs) camps, non-governmental organizations offices, mosques, and markets, increasing the death toll of innocent civilians, including women, children and humanitarian workers, and resulting in the displacement of at least 20,000 civilians.

Citizens for a Secure and Safe America (C4SSA) and the Syrian Emergency Task Force (SETF) strongly condemn and call for an immediate cessation of the recent surge in hostilities in northwest Syria perpetrated by the Assad regime and Russia. This escalation of violence in this region, not seen in this scale since 2019, has caused immense suffering for the innocent civilians trapped in the war and worsened the already grave humanitarian crisis following over a decade of war and the devastating February earthquakes. This dire situation demands international attention and action.

C4SSA and SETF express their deep concern for the well-being of the people of Idlib, who are enduring unimaginable hardships and loss as a result of this military offensive. We call upon the following actions to be taken immediately:

Ceasefire: That the Assad regime and Russia immediately cease all hostilities in Idlib, allowing humanitarian organizations to access the area and provide much-needed aid to the affected population.
Protection of Civilians: The safety and well-being of innocent civilians must be paramount. We call upon all parties involved to abide by international humanitarian law, ensuring the protection of all civilians.
Humanitarian Access: Humanitarian organizations must be granted unfettered access to deliver aid, medical assistance, and essential supplies to the people of Idlib. The international community must do everything in its power to facilitate this access.
Diplomatic Resolution: We call upon the international community, including the United Nations and relevant stakeholders, to intensify diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful and lasting resolution to the Syrian conflict in which the Assad regime and allies are held accountable for their crimes. An end of these hostilities is the only way to bring an end to the suffering of the Syrian people.

C4SSA and SETF stand in solidarity with the people of northwest Syria and the broader Syrian population who have endured years of war, loss, and displacement. We appeal to governments, international organizations, and civil society to come together to put an end to the violence and to work towards a future where Syrians can live in peace and security.

For press inquiries, please contact:

Operations Manager

Citizens for a Secure and Safe America

info@c4ssa.org

Maria Cure, Director of Communications

Syrian Emergency Task Force

mcure@setf.ngo |+1 (202) 285-5755

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WASHINGTON, DC— Citizens for a Secure and Safe America (C4SSA), Syrian Emergency Task Force (SETF), Syria Institute for Progress (SI4P), and Global Justice (site) are disturbed by the massacre that took place yesterday in Syria’s Idlib. Russian airstrikes on Jisr al Shughur, Idlib, killed at least 10, including two children, and injured more than 60 civilians on Sunday, June 25. According to the White Helmets, the death toll is expected to increase due to the critical status of those injured. 

The airstrikes targeted a popular vegetable market that is one of the few remaining sources of income for farmers and workers in this area, making it a strategic target for Assad and Russian forces who have been intentionally striking agricultural hotspots to restrain the food supply as well as profit in northwest Syria. 

This massacre comes at a time when Assad and Russia have been escalating daily attacks on opposition-held areas in Syria. Last week on June 21, artillery shelling by Assad and Russia on the town of Kafr Nouran in the countryside of Aleppo killed a father and his child and wounded eight civilians, including three children. 

Sunday’s ruthless attack represents the deadliest incident of the year thus far, offering irrefutable evidence that Assad’s leadership continues to disregard the well-being of his own people. No amount of international normalization can alter this reality.  We are disheartened that the international community has failed to take action that could have prevented this massacre and urge every nation to stand in solidarity with the Syrian people at this critical moment. Assad cannot be rewarded for his ongoing brutality. He continues to be a major reason for destabilization in Syria and the region.

We implore the international community to unite in denouncing these atrocities and take concrete measures to address the dire humanitarian situation in Syria. While Russia and its collaborators in the Assad regime continue to drop bombs on civilians in markets, US NGOs, namely SETF, are working with the US military to break the siege on the Rukban camp, providing food and safety to those in need. We also implore the international community to remain firm in their stances against normalizing with the criminal Assad regime and to continue providing food and other forms of aid to those in need.

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WASHINGTON, DC— C4SSA is very pleased that the Anti-Assad Normalization Act passed through the House Foreign Affairs Committee today with bipartisan support.

We thank Representatives Joe Wilson (R-SC), Michael McCaul (R-TX), Steve Cohen (D-TN), French Hill (R-AR), Brendan Boyle (D-PA), Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-AS), Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX), and Carlos Giménez (R-FL) again for making this possible, and for the support of Ranking Member Gregory Meeks (D-NY) in its passage.

C4SSA formally endorses this bill, which is a crucial move to oppose normalization following Syria’s readmission to the Arab League. We encourage the Syrian American community to reach out to your representatives and urge them to support the passage of this bill on the House floor. We highly recommend using the links below that will direct communications to each member of the House of Representatives, and are reliable in conveying our message.

To find your local representative’s contact information, please enter your zip code onto this website.

For suggested advocacy language to send to your local representative, please click here.

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WASHINGTON, DC — Citizens for a Secure and Safe America (C4SSA) is deeply alarmed by the Assad regime’s readmission into the Arab League, a betrayal to hundreds of thousands of victims of Assad’s cruelty. On Sunday, May 7, 2023, 13 of the 22 member states of the Arab League met in Cairo and reinstated Syria to the league through a non-unanimous consensus agreement after a 12-year suspension. This readmission occurred despite no meaningful changes to the regime’s behavior that led to its suspension in the first place. The Assad regime and its backers have persisted in their war crimes and crimes against humanity, violently oppressing and terrorizing a nation in agony.

This is a significant setback for the Syrian people and their pursuit of freedom, democracy, justice, and accountability. The recent decision by the Arab League to reinstate Syria as a member has been met with widespread condemnation from human rights groups, political analysts, and concerned citizens around the world.

This decision marks a devastating failure of the Syrian people as well as human rights everywhere, as it subverts international norms and sets a dangerous precedent for reengaging with a pariah. This is the same Assad that tortured and killed hundreds of thousands of his own people with missiles, barrel bombs and chemical weapons in the worst mass attack the world has seen in the 21st century. The decision by the Arab League to welcome Syria back into its fold sends a troubling message to the world and undermines efforts to hold the Syrian government accountable for its actions. Moreover, it risks further isolating those who have been fighting for democracy and human rights in Syria, and sends a signal that such efforts are not valued or supported by the Arab League.

Despite claims that this reinstatement is conditional, the deal contains absolutely no conditions nor enforcement mechanisms, which makes this decision much more dangerous. The 13 member states have effectively legitimized and empowered Assad without any effort, symbolic or otherwise, to restrain him from abusing this newfound power against the Syrian people. These states have proceeded with normalization despite the Assad regime’s actions that flooded their countries with refugees and drugs. C4SSA is also disappointed with the remaining nine states who opted not to attend rather than show up and fight for those who gave their lives for freedom, self-determination, democracy, and basic human rights.

We will never forget the sacrifice of those who fought for freedom and democracy in Syria, nor the millions of Syrians still suffering under Assad’s rule. This decision does not erase Assad’s decade-worth of savagery nor dampen our commitment to the fight for a free and democratic Syria. As concerned citizens, we join these voices in calling for a peaceful and just resolution to the crisis in Syria, one that upholds the rights and dignity of all Syrians and holds those responsible for atrocities accountable for their actions.

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The Syrian-American community is deeply alarmed by recent actions taken by certain parties on the ground in Lebanon fanning hate and inciting the Lebanese population against vulnerable Syrian refugees. Recently there have been credible reports by international news agencies and independent human rights groups of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) engaging in a targeted campaign involving raiding, arresting, and forced expulsion of hundreds of refugees back into Assad-regime controlled territories in Syria. Dozens have been arrested by the regime as a result.

Syrian refugees are being victimized as the cause of economic malaise in a country where political elites’ policies and political and economic mismanagement have turned Lebanon into a failed state. The majority of refugees seeking safety from the Assad regime are self-employed and actively contribute to Lebanon’s economy; in addition to the international financial assistance Beirut receives specifically to help Syrian refugees.

Lebanon is a signatory of the fourth Geneva Convention, which provides protection for refugees in war and conflict zones. The convention prohibits the extradition or forced repatriation of refugees to areas from which they fled. Since Syria remains a zone of armed conflict, refugees cannot be forced to return.

The United States has provided millions in military assistance to the LAF, who are now using that funding to send refugees back to the Assad regime, putting them at risk of imprisonment, torture, and death. The United States must speak out forcefully and clearly against using military assistance to violate international law.

The Syrian American community calls on the Lebanese authorities to immediately suspend their discriminatory campaign of arrests, harassment, and expulsion of refugees and abide by international humanitarian law and international conventions fully. The Lebanese government is responsible for the fate of any Syrian refugee handed over to the Assad regime, and any continuation of the government’s targeting of refugees will be held accountable through all legal and political means possible.

All countries in the region must abide by international law, provide protection and care for refugees, including Syrians. Illegal and life-endangering expulsions must stop.

Signed,

Citizens for a Secure and Safe America (C4SSA)

Syrian Center for Legal Studies and Research

Global Justice

American Coalition for Syria

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The Syrian American community today achieved tangible results after years of hard work and exercising their democratic rights in the United States.  The White House, State Department, Treasury Department, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Jim Risch, and House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Engel all issued strong statements in support of the Syrian people.

Today the State Department followed by the Treasury Department announced sweeping sanctions against Bashar Al-Assad, his wife Asma al-Assad, and 37 other designations under the Caesar Act and Executive Order 13894. “As of today, the sanctions provision of the Caesar Act are in full effect. Anyone doing business with the Assad regime, no matter where in the world they are, is potentially exposed to travel restrictions and financial sanctions.” “Many more sanctions will come until Assad and his regime stop their needless, brutal war and agree to a political solution.”

The bipartisan Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019 passed six months ago by both Houses of Congress with the encouragement of the Syrian American community who reached out to Members of Congress to raise awareness of the tragedy unfolding in their homeland. Caesar authorizes sanctions on anyone – Syrian or foreign – that does business with the government.

The White House issued a statement asserting “Today’s designations send a clear message that no individual or business should enter into business with or otherwise enrich such a vile regime.  Importantly, today’s actions under the Caesar Act and Executive Orders 13894, 13582, and 13573 are intended to hold the murderous Assad regime accountable.  These sanctions are not directed at the Syrian people.”

“This Administration is committed to a lasting political solution.  The Assad regime and its patrons must recognize that a political resolution is the only viable mechanism to bring a peaceful end to the Syrian conflict.”

Ambassador James F. Jeffrey,  Special Representative for Syria Engagement and Special Envoy to the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, revealed that the United States is“…against the regime and its enablers is thus to promote accountability and deny them access to the international financial system until a political solution to the Syria conflict can be reached.  Such a solution must be in line with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254, the internationally accepted road-map for a political settlement to the Syrian War.”

These efforts are reflective of the Syrian American community and the support given to Citizens for a Secure and Safe America.

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WASHINGTON, DC – Citizens for a Secure and Safe America (C4SSA)is profoundly disturbed by the vicious murder of Noura Al-Ahmad, a pregnant teacher, and her eightyear-old daughter Rama in their home in the Al-Mishalla neighborhood of Raqqa onJanuary 16th.
It has been alleged by multiple sources that the perpetrators are connected to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the dominant de-facto military force in Raqqa, and leaders within the militias affiliated with the Democratic Union Party (PYD), who are reportedly attempting to cover up this heinous crime to avoid exposure of their involvement. The senseless murder of Noura and Rama sparked outrage as thousands took to the streets of Raqqa to demand accountability. This, in turn, provoked a curfew and a series of raids by the SDF in which they arrested at least 53 young men, according to the Syrian Observer. Local sources now claim that at least 120 demonstrators, including 3 women, have been arrested, and arbitrarily charged with dealing with ISIS.
While SDF sources report that the suspect has been arrested, local tribes allege that this was done to protect him from rioters, not for the sake of justice. Additionally, a security cordon has been imposed around the Central Prison, where the suspect is reportedly being held.
These murders come at a time of increasing SDF crackdowns and hostilities in predominantly Arab cities like Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor, with reports of journalists and activists being threatened, imprisoned, and tortured, as well as expelled from the country, for speaking out on the issues in the area. Another extremely concerning practice by the SDF is the forced recruitment of minors to its ranks, as well as the utilization of torture and execution against dissident civilians who refuse to align with the group’s ideology. Many protests continue to surface despite the totalitarian rule, with the SDF cracking down on these demonstrations numerous times. Many elements and key personnel who were essential in the D-ISIS campaign have been marginalized and some have been targeted. With no constructive and meaningful inclusion and dialogue between the different ethnic elements of the northeast region’s population, the area will remain an unstable breeding ground for extremism and dissent, and many more innocent civilians will become casualties to the corrupt system. C4SSA demands justice for Noura and Rama and urges immediate action to stop the brutality of the SDF and their affiliates.
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Huda Aljord

Huda Aljord teaches Arabic and cultural studies at Riverside City College and UC Riverside. She is a board member of Citizens for a Secure and Safe America, an organization supporting democracy in Syria.

As an Arab Muslim woman teaching in California for the past decade, I have heard more hate and disinformation about my culture and faith than I care to remember.

Social media is where most disinformation starts. It spreads across California every day, ranging from conspiracy theories about climate change to rumors designed to undermine confidence in public health protections, or the hate speech that fueled the attack on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband, Paul Pelosi.  

Thankfully, California is increasingly fighting back. Gov. Gavin Newsom this year signed Assembly Bill 587 into law, which requires social media companies to publicly explain their efforts to prevent hate speech, disinformation and extremism. Platforms must provide detailed reports of how they police themselves twice per year to the California Attorney General’s office.

State Assemblyman Jesse Gabriel, a Burbank Democrat, said the goal of the bill is to encourage social media companies to reflect on the role they play in public discourse and the damage they cause.

Patrolling digital discourse is just one part of it. California educators are also trying to promote media literacy among younger generations like millennials and Generation Z – digital natives who only know the information age.

Since 2018, the California Department of Education has provided online instructional materials to help young people develop a wide range of digital-age skills. These include online privacy, preventing cyberbullying and identifying misinformation, including how to spot fake news. 

For youth, detecting disinformation is especially important. More than 80% of middle school students could not tell the difference between online advertisements and news stories, a Stanford University study found, citing the need to bolster media literacy programs.

In my classes, I use the education department’s tools to help students develop tolerance, digital citizenship and online civic reasoning. During our debates, it is little surprise that tolerance starts with truthful information.

This is where California needs to improve.  

Before immigrating to the Golden State, I lived in Syria where a decade of civil war has killed more than 350,000 people and displaced more than 7 million refugees. Social media disinformation and propaganda promoted by Russian President Vladimir Putin helped fuel the war.

One of the internet’s greatest strengths is also its greatest weakness. Our interconnectedness brings us together, but it also makes us susceptible to lies created with the sole purpose of undermining civic discourse.

According to California researchers who study conspiracies, Putin’s cyber soldiers are antagonizing online debates, pushing fake news about laser beams starting our wildfires, questioning COVID-19 vaccines and working nonstop to turn us against each other.

Recognizing the fog of fake news that distorts Facebook, Instagram and Twitter starts with recognizing that the problem exists. We do this in California, where our students are increasingly on guard while scrolling through social media.  

But everyone must be more vigilant, and lies need to be pointed out. Spreading truth depends on us all. California is thankfully taking steps in the right direction.

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WASHINGTON, DC – Citizens for a Secure and Safe America (C4SSA) is deeply alarmed by the recent escalation of violence by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in Northwest Syria. HTS was designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, Turkey, and other countries in 2018 due to the group’s affiliation to Al-Qaeda. Following a series of attacks on media activists in Idlib governorate, HTS has recently executed an incursion into the northern Aleppo governorate, an area that is home to millions of civilians.

This incursion comes after a series of clashes with factions of the SNA (Syrian National Army) in Aleppo province. Most recently, HTS and the Third Legion, SNA’s largest faction, exchanged fire in Kafr Jannah, a town that is north of Afrin in north Aleppo province. HTS has taken control of Afrin following the Third Legion’s withdrawal from the city in an effort allegedly to minimize civilian casualties. Violent clashes between the two armed groups have continued since then on a daily basis.

Citizens in north Aleppo have taken to the streets to protest HTS’ ongoing efforts to besiege Azaz, a city in north Aleppo that is central to the Third Legion.

While tensions between HTS and the Third Legion have been ongoing since 2018 and have primarily centered around issues of governance, we believe this recent intensification of clashes and turnover of control will result in the loss of civilian lives and property, and will only strengthen HTS’ claim for control of the entire northwestern region of Syria. HTS is vying for control of the Northwest region without concern for the impact on the civilian population. HTS has formed a coalition with  the Hamza and Sulaiman Shah factions of SNA, who are known to have committed repeated human rights violations, including targeting of media outlets and activists.

On October 7^th, Syrian media activist Muhammad Abu Ghanoum and his pregnant wife were assassinated in the city of al-Bab in northern Aleppo. CCTV footage of the assassination show two men associated with the Hamza Division, backed by HTS, at the scene of the crime. Abu Ghanoum was an outspoken advocate of the Free Syria cause and reported on the realities within the northwestern region. Abu Ghanoum’s assassination came just days after HTS’ Directorate of Information and Press Affairs completely suspended Orient TV from working in Idlib governorate. Suppressing the media is not uncommon in Syria; the Autonomous Administration of Northeast Syria (AANES) has also banned media outlets from operating in the Northeast region.

George Stifo, C4SSA’s spokesperson, said, “We are extremely concerned about the attacks on media, and the increasing hostilities in the northwest region of Syria originated by the coalition of HTS and other militant factions. These factions are known for criminality and for targeting  media activists to undermine the fundamentals of freedom of speech.”

At least 4.5 million Syrians live in the affected Northwestern region and have suffered under the unstable governance of the region. Should the violent clashes and attacks on media activists continue, many will suffer from a deterioration in security and risk losing their right to speak out against the realities they are facing.

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The UAE’s decision to expand bilateral relations with mass-murderer Assad should set off alarms throughout the free world

WASHINGTON, DC – The Syrian American Diaspora at large and their organizations condemn the United Arab Emirates’ decision to host Syrian dictator Bashar Al-Assad while his mass murderous wrath continues with impunity.

“I am shocked and outraged that the United Arab Emirates is hosting the Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad,” said Dr. Muhammad Bakr Ghbeis, a Syrian American citizen and President of Citizens for a Secure and Safe America. “Assad has murdered 600,000 of his citizens and deserves to be held accountable for his crimes, not welcomed into the halls of a close U.S. ally and a supposedly responsible Arab state. For an allied nation to host the Syrian regime is stabbing the international community in the back while it tries to bring the perpetrators to justice.”

The State Department hosted a “March to Accountability” conference on Friday, the same day Assad arrived in the UAE. The conference was titled, “Seeking Safety: Forced Displacement in the Syrian Conflict” and emphasized that “Those responsible must be held accountable.” Also this week, the New York Times revealed that Assad’s henchmen used mass graves to bury the countless innocent lives he took between 2011 and 2013, furnishing even more evidence of Assad’s numerous war crimes.

Warming of relations between Assad and UAE on Friday angered millions in the Syrian diaspora, many of whose relatives and friends remain internally and externally displaced and their homes destroyed since Assad launched his war against them in 2011. “Syria is one of the few counties in the world that supports Vladimir Putin and has been sending mercenaries to aid Putin in his attack on Ukraine,” said Suzan Baaj, Chairwoman of the Syrian Institute for Progress. Assad’s crimes extend beyond the pale and include use of chemical weapons on his own civilian population, including children. Someone who has used chemical weapons on his own people should not be welcomed into a modern Arab state and must remain a pariah.

We call on the Biden’s administration to utilize the Caesar law and the utmost pressure to deter any government or individuals to promote Assad.

Signed by: Citizens for a Secure and Safe America (C4SSA), Syrian Institute for Progress (SIP), Syrian Christians for Peace (SCP)

For additional information, and media inquiries, please contact info@C4SSA.org ###

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Last month, Citizens for a Secure and Safe America (C4SSA) held a powerful conference focused on the topic of “Syria Stabilization: Opportunities, Challenges, and US Policy Options” which featured Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Levant Affairs Aimee Cutrona, Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Senator Todd Young (R-IN), Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) and Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC). Jennifer Cafarella, Inaugural National Security Fellow at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) moderated the event along with C4SSA’s Spokesperson George Stifo and C4SSA’s Secretary Alia Natafgi.

C4SSA’s President Dr. Bakr Ghbeis opened the event with poignant and heartful remarks, noting that the voice of the Syrian people has been silenced by Bashar Al-Assad and as such, it is the Syrian-American diaspora that speaks for the Syrian people. “We speak for the Syrian people,” Ghbeis said, a point he eloquently laid out in an opinion piece he wrote for the National Interest.

“We will not stop working on behalf of our homeland until she is free.” Millions of Syrians have been displaced, both internally and as refugees, because of Assad’s war on his own people. He noted that in order to maintain his power, Assad “has killed, imprisoned, tortured, displaced millions of Syrians… the effects of his actions have spread beyond Syria to her neighbors.” Ghbeis noted that “the diplomatic track to a political transition in Syria and a new day remains hostage to the regime and its enablers. We know who they are. To counter this, however, we must work to stabilize and secure those areas of Syria that are not in the regime’s control: One family, one community, one town at a time. This is the way to take Syria back, I believe, to turn back the injustice, oppression, ethnic cleansing and demographic changes brought on by the regime and its supporters.” Northeast Syria is an example of a region where stabilization efforts were successful; a point Dr. Ghbeis made during his speech while asking for help from the Biden administration and its supporters to achieve this. “Without doubt, what is occurring in Syria is a genocide and it must come to an end after a decade of endless pain and suffering of the Syrian people.
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Deputy Assistant Secretary for Levant Affairs in the Bureau for Near Eastern Affairs Aimee Cutrona addressed the audience as well. Her remarks provided hope for those in attendance that the Syrian people are not forgotten by the Biden administration and that they are committed to finding a solution and hopeful end to the conflict there.

“The US government continues to work with partners toward a political solution in Syria. The United States believes that stability in Syria – and the greater region – can only be achieved through a political process that represents the will of all Syrians. And we are committed to working with allies, partners and of course the UN to ensure that a durable political solution remains within reach. The United States is also deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation and committed to helping lead the humanitarian response in Syria. The current needs for humanitarian assistance are dire and providing humanitarian assistance to Syria is one of this administration’s top priorities,” Cutrona said.

She noted the administration’s work to defeat ISIS and also addressed the issue of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and how defeating ISIS was intrinsic to seeing IDPs return to Syria. Cutrona also condemned the use of chemical weapons against the Syrian people.
“The United States remains committed to standing with Syrian survivors of the Assad regime’s atrocities, some of which rise to the level of war crimes and crimes against humanity as we promote accountability for the Assad regime’s crimes.” She noted there are at least over 100,000 missing Syrians, including children among them.

“I want to be clear: no amount of disinformation or conspiracy theories or distortion of the facts by the regime or its enablers can argue away Assad’s crimes.” Cutrona added, “the United States is committed to supporting the Syrian people and a peaceful resolution to the conflict that represents the will of all Syrians.”

Senator Menendez, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, provided a letter to C4SSA expressing his unwavering “support and admiration” for C4SSA’s cause. He “Bashar Al-Assad, backed by his Iranian and Russian enablers, has fomented a reign of fear, repression and torture against his own citizens. He has not only cooperated with terrorists to incite violence, he has murdered innocent civilians in cold blood and barbarously bombed hospitals and medical workers to prevent them from providing relief.”

Menendez added, “I look forward to continuing to work with you on behalf of the people of Syria to ensure the Assad regime, their enablers, and other human rights violators in Syria are held accountable and that the Syrian people see justice done in their names.”

​Senator Jim Risch (R-ID), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, noted that “the Biden administration has a unique opportunity to correct the mistakes of the past,” referring to America’s lack of action against Assad when he used chemical weapons against the Syrian people.

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