Syria's Sharaa met pro-Israel Congressman in bid to repeal Caesar sanctions

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa met with US Republican Congressman Brian Mast to push for the repeal of the Caesar sanctions ahead of a White House visit. While the US president issued a waiver, a full repeal by Congress is required to encourage investment from Gulf states for Syria's reconstruction. Congressman Mast, who is strongly pro-Israel, is reportedly the chief impediment to the repeal, influenced by Israeli lobbying to keep the sanctions in place. This diplomatic effort is set against a backdrop of Israeli military actions in southern Syria, including occupying a UN buffer zone and launching air strikes.