ExecutiveOrdersEO
Notice 13338NoticeBiden · D

Presidential Notice 13338

Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the Actions of the Government of Syria

President Biden continued for one year the national emergency first declared in 2004 regarding Syria's actions, citing ongoing threats from the Assad regime's support for terrorism, chemical weapons use, and regional destabilization. The notice extends sanctions authorities and maintains existing restrictions without modifying their scope.

Federal Register Open PDF 87 FR 28749

Impact dates

  1. Continued national emergency expires unless extended again

Key directives

  • Continue national emergency declared in EO 13338 for 1 year beyond May 11, 2022
  • Publish notice in Federal Register
  • Transmit notice to Congress

Timeline

Immediate

  • National emergency continues beyond May 11, 2022
  • Existing sanctions and restrictions remain in force

Near term (90d)

  • Annual review of Syria policy by administration

Long term

  • Potential termination if Assad regime changes policies; no automatic sunset

Risks & tensions

  • Humanitarian access tension: sanctions continuation may complicate aid delivery despite call for 'unhindered humanitarian assistance'
  • Vague conditionality: 'consider changes in policies and actions' sets no clear benchmarks for lifting
  • Russia/Iran framing escalates rhetorically without changing legal mechanism
Presidential Notice 13338: Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the Actions of the Government of Syria · Executive Orders