Drawdown Pursuant to Section 552(c)(2) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 of up to $10 Million in Commodities and Services From Any Agency of the United States Government to the Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC) and the Syrian Opposition's Supreme Military Council (SMC)

This presidential determination authorizes an emergency drawdown of up to $10 million in nonlethal commodities and services from any U.S. government agency to provide food and medical supplies to the Syrian Opposition Coalition and the Supreme Military Council for distribution to those in need. The determination waives normal legal restrictions under the Foreign Assistance Act, citing an unforeseen emergency and U.S. national security interests.

Federal Register Open PDF 78 FR 24317

Impact dates

Apr 11, 2013
Immediate provision of assistance due to unforeseen emergency

Key directives

Drawdown of up to $10 million in nonlethal commodities and services from any U.S. government agency
Provide food and medical supplies to SOC and SMC for distribution to those in need
Secretary of State to report determination to Congress
Secretary of State to arrange Federal Register publication
Secretary of State to coordinate execution of drawdown

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

Drawdown authorization takes effect upon signing
Secretary of State directed to report to Congress and arrange Federal Register publication

Near term (90d)

Execution and coordination of commodity and service drawdown from agency inventories

Long term

Potential precedent for future emergency assistance to non-state armed groups

Risks & tensions

Waiver of 'any other provision of law' under section 614(a)(1) FAA creates broad legal exemption with limited oversight
Assistance to SMC (military council) blurs line between humanitarian and military support in ongoing conflict
End-use monitoring of food and medical supplies distributed by opposition groups uncertain
Document does not specify geographic scope or accountability mechanisms for distribution