The United States has established “direct contact” with the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) rebels who have taken control in Syria following the downfall of the Assad regime, according to Secretary of State Antony Blinken. This revelation marks the first public acknowledgment of direct American engagement with the group, which is still designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S.
Speaking in Jordan after discussions with representatives from various Arab nations, Turkey, and Europe about Syria’s future, Blinken emphasized the importance of fostering a peaceful transition within the country. Jordan’s foreign minister underscored regional concerns, stating that neighboring countries seek to avoid a descent into chaos.
In a joint statement, officials called for the formation of an inclusive Syrian government that safeguards minority rights and denies refuge to terrorist organizations. The need for a governance structure that reflects the diversity of the Syrian populace has become increasingly urgent in light of recent turbulent developments.
Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein expressed shared apprehensions about Syria’s future, highlighting the region’s desire to prevent a repeat of Libya’s post-Gaddafi turmoil. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized the necessity of preserving and reforming existing Syrian institutions to thwart any potential exploitation of the transitional phase by terrorist factions.
While HTS has shown interest in establishing a representative government, skepticism remains due to its violent history. Blinken confirmed that Washington has been in direct dialogue with HTS, particularly regarding the case of American journalist Austin Tice, who has been missing in Syria.
Notably absent from the discussions were representatives from the Syrian government, as well as Iran and Russia—key supporters of Assad’s regime. The ongoing geopolitical complexities surrounding Syria pose significant challenges for any new political entities striving for stability and unity amid longstanding external influences.
With Bashar al-Assad’s rule officially ended after 24 years, the opposition’s control over the capital on December 8 marked a historic turning point. The Syrian civil war, which erupted 13 years ago, claimed over half a million lives and displaced millions, intertwining the fate of the nation with international interests.
In a significant move, HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa has appointed Mohammed al-Bashir as the interim prime minister of Syria. The global community now watches closely as the country’s political landscape evolves following the end of the Assad family’s longstanding authority. HTS, founded in 2011 as an offshoot of al-Qaeda, has recently attempted to distance itself from its past, promoting messages of inclusiveness and a rejection of violence.
