Critics say Assad unlikely to suffer under Caesar sanctions
The Syrian opposition backs the Caesar Act, recently approved by the United States, but questions whether the US administration is serious about implementing it and how it might affect the Syrian government and its allies.
ALEPPO, Syria — A long-awaited US law designed to punish Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who stands accused of crimes against humanity and other atrocities, has the potential to effect change, but only if the United States follows through decisively, Assad's opponents say.
On Dec. 20, US President Donald Trump signed the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, sparking wide controversy in Syrian opposition circles in Idlib and Aleppo provinces as many wonder what impact, if any, the law might have on the conduct of the Syrian government's security and military structure. Observers also are pondering whether this act could weaken and ultimately topple the government, thus fulfilling the calls of the opposition.
