The ongoing normalization of relations with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has sparked significant concern among international observers, particularly as the humanitarian crisis in Syria reaches unprecedented levels. For over a decade, Assad's regime has been embroiled in a brutal civil war, resulting in the deaths of over a million people and displacing more than 14 million Syrians, with half of them remaining internally displaced.

Despite this grim backdrop, recent developments indicate a thawing of relations between Assad and other Arab states. Notably, he was welcomed back into the Arab League last year, marking his first invitation since 2011. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who previously called for Assad's resignation, has also expressed a desire to reset relations, indicating a shift in regional dynamics.

Experts suggest that the stagnation of the Syrian conflict since 2019 has prompted regional powers to seek engagement with Assad, as the international community, particularly the U.S. and Europe, has largely disengaged from the situation. Charles Lister, director of the Syria program at the Middle East Institute, noted that this re-engagement has led to a deterioration of the crisis, exacerbating issues such as refugee flows, drug trafficking, and terrorism.

The humanitarian situation in Syria is dire, with only 6% of the United Nations' assessed needs being met by international funding this year. This has resulted in a dramatic increase in the number of Syrian refugees attempting to flee to Europe, with a reported 300% rise in the past year alone.

In the U.S., legislative efforts to hold Assad accountable, including the CAESAR Act and the Assad Regime Anti-Normalization Act, face significant hurdles. The Biden administration has intervened to stall these measures, reflecting a reluctance to deepen U.S. involvement in the long-standing crisis. As the expiration of the CAESAR Act looms, concerns grow over a potential vacuum in leverage regarding Syria policy, raising questions about the international community's ability to respond to the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe and the regime's actions.