Two U.S. congressmen have called for the suspension of some sanctions on Syria to alleviate economic pressure after the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad. The move comes as Western countries seek to ease sanctions following the rise of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a former al Qaeda affiliate. The congressmen argue that while sanctions on former government officials should remain, other parts of the legislation, such as sectoral sanctions and those related to reconstruction, should be lifted. HTS, designated as a terrorist group by the U.S. and other countries, has expressed its intention to adopt a free-market model and integrate Syria into the global economy.