U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut) have introduced the Save the Kurds Act in response to ongoing attacks by Syrian government forces against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The proposed legislation seeks to impose sanctions on Syrian government officials, financial institutions, and foreign individuals who engage in transactions—including military or financial support—with the Syrian government.
The SDF played a significant role in helping U.S. efforts to dismantle ISIS. After the defeat of ISIS, the SDF maintained control over northeastern Syria. The new Syrian President, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has launched operations against the Kurdish-led SDF with claims of uniting Syria after years of civil war. Reports indicate that Turkey may be coordinating with and assisting these attacks.
The region controlled by the SDF contains prisons holding ISIS members and is home to approximately 1,000 U.S. troops. Ongoing assaults on Kurdish forces threaten regional stability, endanger U.S. personnel, complicate relations with Syria’s new leadership, and could allow for a resurgence of ISIS.
Senator Graham stated: “I believe that there is strong bipartisan support for the idea of protecting the Kurds in Syria and beyond because they have been such a reliable ally to the United States. The SDF – with a large Kurdish element – took the brunt of the fight to defeat ISIS in President Trump’s first term. I realize Syria is complicated culturally, ethnically and politically. However, attacking the Kurds greatly diminishes the United States’ standing and will hinder Syria’s ability to grow as a country. To those countries or groups who believe it is open season on the Kurds in Syria without consequence, you will be sadly mistaken.”
Senator Blumenthal added: “I believe we need to protect the Kurds in Syria and take action to ensure they are protected from any retribution or revenge by the Syrian government.”
Key provisions of the Save the Kurds Act include imposing sanctions on relevant entities engaging with Syria’s government; recognizing contributions made by Kurdish-led forces against ISIS; redesignating Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham as a Foreign Terrorist Organization; requiring congressional review before removing Syria from its designation as a state sponsor of terrorism; granting presidential authority to suspend sanctions if attacks cease; and instituting an immediate return (“snapback”) of sanctions should hostilities resume.
