Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, Barbara Leaf, led a delegation that met with Ahmad al-Sharaa in Damascus, marking a pivotal moment in US-Syria relations. Al-Sharaa, once known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, leads Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group the US has designated as a terrorist organization. The meeting aimed to address critical issues, primarily focusing on counter-terrorism efforts. Leaf described the interaction as productive, indicating that al-Sharaa was receptive to discussions of combating terrorism together.
The decision to revoke the bounty was based on mutual understanding reached during this meeting. Leaf conveyed that al-Sharaa committed to various pragmatic and moderate stances on important issues, including the protection of women’s and community rights, which the US will monitor through actions, not just words. This approach underscores the complexity of dealing with groups previously considered adversaries, as the US navigates its foreign policy in Syria post-regime collapse.
The US remains focused on preventing the resurgence of ISIS in Syria, a concern that has driven international efforts to promote a more inclusive Syrian government. This interaction with al-Sharaa illustrates an attempt to establish stability and respect for human rights in the region. A source indicated that the meeting lasted nearly two hours and covered a broad range of domestic and external topics.
Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, Roger Carstens, also part of the delegation, highlighted the ongoing efforts to locate Austin Tice, an American journalist detained in Syria. This issue remains a priority for the US, which is expanding its search to additional sites based on new intelligence, despite limited resources. Carstens emphasized the vital role of allies, NGOs, and media in supporting these operations, given the restrictions on US personnel conducting extended searches on the ground.
This diplomatic engagement marks a strategic shift in US-Syria relations, reflecting a pragmatic approach to counter-terrorism and regional stability amidst ongoing challenges.
