The United States has officially acknowledged its “direct contact” with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the rebel group that has taken control of Syria following the toppling of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
This marks the first admission of US interaction with the group, which has been designated as a terrorist organization by the US. Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed that the US’s communication with HTS focused particularly on the fate of Austin Tice, an American journalist who has been missing in Syria.
Blinken’s statement was made during a visit to Jordan, where he participated in talks with representatives from several Arab nations, Turkey, and European countries to discuss Syria’s future.
The discussions in Jordan resulted in a joint commitment to support a peaceful transition in Syria. Jordan’s foreign minister emphasized the importance of preventing Syria from descending into chaos, while other officials agreed that a new inclusive government should be formed, respecting the rights of minorities and ensuring Syria does not become a haven for terrorist groups.
Despite the absence of HTS from the meeting, the conversation highlighted the need for a government that represents all Syrians, addressing the complex aftermath of the recent changes in the country.
US Acknowledges Contact with Syrian Rebel Group HTS Amid Talks on Syria’s Future
Regional concerns about Syria’s future were expressed by Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, who warned against Syria descending into a situation similar to Libya’s post-Gaddafi chaos. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called for the preservation and reform of Syria’s existing institutions while stressing the need to prevent terrorism from exploiting the transition period.
The discussions underscored the necessity of learning from past mistakes and ensuring that Syria’s future governance is stable and inclusive, with careful coordination between regional powers.
Simultaneously, Israel has continued its airstrikes against Syria, targeting locations it deems to threaten its security. These actions have sparked regional condemnation, with the UN Secretary-General expressing particular concern about the ongoing strikes.
Israel has justified its military actions as part of efforts to destroy strategic capabilities that could pose a threat. This military escalation adds another layer of complexity to the already volatile situation in Syria, where external interventions have long shaped the conflict’s trajectory.
HTS, originally founded in 2011 under the name Jabhat al-Nusra as an al-Qaeda affiliate, has evolved into Syria’s most powerful rebel group. While it was designated a terrorist organization by the US, the UN, and Turkey, the group’s leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, who cut ties with al-Qaeda in 2016, has recently pledged tolerance for various religious and ethnic groups.
However, the group’s violent jihadist past has raised doubts about its commitment to these promises. As Syria begins to rebuild, the future leadership will need to navigate not only internal divisions but also the ongoing influence of foreign powers to ensure long-term stability and peace.
