US Confirms Direct Engagement with HTS Rebels Now Controlling Syria

Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that the United States has established “direct contact” with the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) rebels, who have assumed control of Syria following the overthrow of the Assad regime. This marks the initial official confirmation of direct engagement between the U.S. and HTS, an organization that the U.S. continues to classify as a terrorist entity. Blinken informed reporters that the U.S. engagement specifically concerns the whereabouts of Austin Tice, an American journalist who is missing. These remarks were made by Blinken in Jordan, following discussions with delegates from various Arab nations, Turkey, and European countries regarding Syria’s future. During the meeting, officials reached a consensus to back a peaceful transitional period within Syria. Jordan’s foreign minister stated that regional powers aimed to prevent the country from “descend[ing] into chaos.” A joint statement issued subsequently advocated for the formation of an inclusive Syrian government that upholds minority rights and refrains from providing a sanctuary for “terrorist groups.” Following the turbulent developments of recent weeks, discussions both within and outside Syria have underscored the critical necessity of establishing a new system of governance that is representative of all Syrian citizens. HTS representatives were absent from the Jordan meeting. At this gathering, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein voiced widespread concern across the Middle East and internationally regarding Syria’s prospects. He remarked that regional actors sought to avoid a repeat of Libya, referencing the disorder that followed Colonel Gaddafi’s ousting. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized the need to maintain and reform existing Syrian institutions. “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 stated, as reported by Reuters news agency. Concurrently, Israel has conducted dozens of additional air strikes targeting Syria, a development noted by a war monitor, even amidst regional disapproval. Israel has previously asserted that its actions are intended to “destroy strategic capabilities” posing a threat to its security. The UN Secretary General has expressed being “particularly concerned” regarding the numerous Israeli airstrikes that have hit various sites in Syria. HTS, recognized as Syria’s most potent rebel faction, originated in 2011 as Jabhat al-Nusra, a direct affiliate of al-Qaeda. It was regarded as one of the most lethal and effective groups opposing President Assad. This group was designated a terrorist organization by the UN, the U.S., Turkey, and other nations, a classification it still holds. Its leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, severed connections with al-Qaeda in 2016. Recently, he has committed to promoting tolerance among diverse religious groups and communities. However, the group’s history of violent jihadism has led some to question its commitment to these pledges. Notably absent from the discussions in Jordan was any Syrian representative. The foreign ministers from the eight Arab countries present at the meeting expressed their desire to guarantee Syria’s unity, preventing its division along sectarian boundaries. Iran and Russia, the two nations that provided financial backing enabling Assad’s prolonged hold on power, were also not in attendance. The collapse of Assad’s rule occurred after a 13-year civil war, which began when he suppressed pro-democracy demonstrations. This conflict resulted in over half a million deaths, displaced millions more, and drew in international powers and their proxy forces. The enduring influence of the external forces that contended for control over Syria for an extended period casts a significant shadow over its future. For the Syrian populace to genuinely build upon the newfound freedom experienced in the past week, Syria’s forthcoming leadership will require unity both domestically and internationally.