U.S. Delegation Engages in Historic Talks in Syria
WASHINGTON — In a historic diplomatic mission, senior U.S. officials led by Barbara Leaf, the senior State Department official for the Middle East, have arrived in Damascus for the first post-Assad meetings since the fall of dictator Bashar al-Assad earlier this month. The delegation is set to engage with members of the Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) rebel group, who are currently acting as the de facto government in Syria.
Focusing on Transition and Missing Americans
The discussions will primarily revolve around the expectations for a transition to an inclusive Syrian government and the search for information regarding the fate of American citizens who disappeared under the Assad regime, including Austin Tice and Majd Kamalmaz. The U.S. delegation includes Roger Carstens, the special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, who previously engaged in secret negotiations about Tice during the first Trump administration’s tenure.
Engagement with Syrian Society
Apart from HTS, the U.S. diplomats will also meet with various sectors of Syrian society, including civil society members, activists, and representatives from different communities. The goal is to understand their vision for the future of Syria and how the United States can support them in their aspirations. Daniel Rubinstein, a senior adviser for the State Department’s Middle East bureau, will lead the diplomatic engagement efforts on Syria.
Pressure to Locate Missing Journalist
Since Assad’s removal, the Biden administration has faced mounting pressure to intensify efforts in locating Austin Tice, who was abducted in Syria 12 years ago. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the government’s commitment to exploring all possible avenues and engaging with various entities in Syria to gather information crucial to Tice’s safe return.
The visit by the U.S. delegation follows similar trips by diplomats from France, the U.K., and Germany to Damascus this week. The leader of HTS, Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, has urged the lifting of international sanctions against the group, raising complexities for humanitarian aid operations in Syria.
The Biden administration is considering the possibility of removing HTS from the terrorist list, provided certain conditions are met. Deputy State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel emphasized the importance of an inclusive and stable Syrian government that ensures the rights of all citizens and does not pose a threat to regional security.
As the situation evolves, the world watches with bated breath, hopeful for a positive outcome from these crucial diplomatic engagements in war-torn Syria.
