The U.S. has also been under pressure from Israel and allies in the Gulf like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates , who fear that al-Assad 's departure could produce a more radical Syria and encourage further revolutions , officials said . Senior officials could be threatened with asset freeze , travel ban . Washington concerned about increased violence against protesters . Syria has been immune to U.S. pressure during protests . Washington had feared the Bashar al - Assad regime .
Senior officials could be threatened with asset freeze , travel ban . Washington concerned about increased violence against protesters . Syria has been immune to U.S. pressure during protests . Washington had feared the Bashar al - Assad regime .