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In an unexpected diplomatic turn, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed that Washington has reached out directly to HTS rebels, who have emerged as the dominant force in Syria after ousting President Bashar al-Assad. This engagement highlights the U.S.’s pragmatic approach to navigating Syria’s post-Assad transition and the complexities it entails.
For the first time, the United States has admitted to directly engaging with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, an organization it continues to label as a terrorist group. The disclosure highlights the nuanced and often contradictory nature of diplomatic efforts in a region still reeling from years of turmoil.
Following a conference in Jordan with representatives from Europe, Turkey, and Arab nations, Secretary Antony Blinken called for a united approach to Syria’s fragile situation. The dialogue resulted in an agreement to champion a peaceful transition, a sentiment echoed by Jordan’s foreign minister, who warned against the perils of allowing Syria to spiral into further chaos.
In a joint communique, regional leaders and international allies underscored the need for an inclusive government in Syria—one that safeguards minority rights and refuses sanctuary to terrorist factions. The urgent discussions, sparked by recent turbulence, highlighted the critical need for a governance structure that genuinely reflects and represents the aspirations of all Syrians.
During discussions in Jordan, Fuad Hussein, Iraq’s foreign minister, shared the widespread unease over Syria’s uncertain future. Pointing to the disarray that gripped Libya in the aftermath of Gaddafi’s removal, he stressed that the region could ill afford another scenario where instability radiates outward, jeopardizing peace across the Middle East.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said existing Syrian institutions must be preserved and reformed.
“Never allow terrorism to take advantage of the transition period. And we have to coordinate our efforts and learn from the mistakes of the past,” Fidan said according to Reuters news agency.
Read also: Ousted Syrian Leader Assad Flees To Moscow After Fall Of Damascus
Meanwhile, Israel has launched dozens more air strikes against Syria, according to a war monitor, despite regional condemnation.
Israel has previously said it was taking action to “destroy strategic capabilities” that threaten it.
The most powerful rebel group, HTS, has indicated that it is seeking an inclusive government. But the group’s violent jihadist past has left some doubting whether it will live up to such promises.
Blinken has said that Washington has been in direct contact with HTS – in particular over the fate of the long missing American journalist, Austin Tice.