February 4, 2026
The American Mideast Coalition for Democracy strongly endorses the bipartisan “Save the Kurds Act” (Senate Bill S.3740), introduced by Senator Lindsay Graham (R-South Carolina) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut) on January 29th. Senator Graham has been deeply involved in US foreign policy for decades, and our long-suffering American allies, the Kurds, have no better friend in Congress.
The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have been a loyal US ally in the region and were especially effective in the fight against ISIS in Syria and Iraq. In recent weeks, the Kurds have come under attack by Syrian government forces under the leadership of President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Under Sharaa, first the Alawite community, then the Druze, and now the Kurds and Christians have been subject to severe oppression and direct attack by government forces. In addition, there are approximately one-thousand U.S. military personnel in the Kurdish area of northeast Syria who are being directly threatened. It is also being reported that these attacks are being assisted by the Turks, who have oppressed the ever-resilient Kurds for centuries, and are apparently being allowed to slaughter Kurds on Syrian soil by the Sharaa government.
“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,” began Senator Graham. “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.”
“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,” added Senator Blumenthal.
The Save the Kurds Act:
- Imposes sanctions on Syrian government officials and financial institutions, and any foreign individual who engages in any transaction, including military or financial support, with the Syrian government.
- Recognizes the Kurdish-led SDF for their contributions in working with the U.S. to eliminate ISIS
- Redesignates Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO)
- Requires congressional review for the removal of Syria’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism
- Gives the president the authority to suspend sanctions upon certifying to Congress that the Syrian government has ceased all attacks on the Kurdish-led SDF and their partners
- Contains a snapback measure, requiring the president to immediately reimpose all sanctions if the Syrian government restarts all attacks on the Kurdish-led SDF or their partners
AMCD has long supported the idea of Kurdish independence, and we will continue to support the brave Kurdish people in their fight against oppression and attack by the Syrian government and their Turkish allies. We applaud Senators Graham and Blumenthal and urge full congressional support for the “Save the Kurds Act.”