Fact Check: Syria was designated a state sponsor of terrorism in 1979.

Fact Check: "Syria was designated a state sponsor of terrorism in 1979."

What We Know

Syria was officially designated as a state sponsor of terrorism by the United States in 1979. This designation is based on Syria's history of providing support to various terrorist organizations, including Hizballah and other groups. According to the U.S. Department of State, Syria has continued to engage in political and military support for these groups over the years. The designation is part of a broader framework established by U.S. law, which includes sanctions and restrictions on foreign assistance and defense exports to countries identified as state sponsors of terrorism (State Sponsors of Terrorism).

Analysis

The claim that Syria was designated a state sponsor of terrorism in 1979 is supported by credible sources, including official U.S. government reports. The Country Reports on Terrorism 2019 explicitly states that Syria has been under this designation since 1979 and highlights its ongoing support for terrorist organizations. Furthermore, the Bureau of Counterterrorism outlines the legal framework under which countries are designated as state sponsors of terrorism, confirming Syria's status among the few nations that have been consistently identified as such.

The reliability of these sources is high, as they originate from the U.S. government, which maintains comprehensive records and assessments regarding terrorism and state sponsorship. These reports are produced through rigorous analysis and are subject to oversight, making them credible for understanding Syria's designation.

In contrast, there are no credible sources that dispute the claim that Syria was designated in 1979. The historical context of Syria's involvement in supporting terrorist activities, particularly in relation to Hizballah and other militant groups, is well-documented (Fact Sheet).

Conclusion

The claim that "Syria was designated a state sponsor of terrorism in 1979" is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources, particularly U.S. government reports, confirms that Syria has held this designation since 1979 due to its ongoing support for terrorist organizations. The consistency and reliability of the information from these sources further reinforce the validity of the claim.