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U.S. officials will travel to Damascus on Friday for discussions with the newly established leadership in Syria. This marks the first visit by American diplomats to Syria in over ten years, following the closure of the U.S. embassy in Damascus in 2012.
The delegation includes Barbara Leaf, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, Daniel Rubinstein, a former special envoy for Syria, and Roger Carstens, the Biden administration’s chief envoy for hostage negotiations. Their meetings with Syria’s interim leaders aim to engage directly with various segments of Syrian society, including civil society representatives, activists, and members of diverse communities, according to the State Department.
During their discussions, the group plans to emphasize the importance of inclusion, protection of minority rights, and a firm stance against terrorism and chemical weapons—principles deemed essential by the Biden administration for any potential U.S. backing of a new government formed in the aftermath of President Bashar al-Assad’s recent exit from power. Assad’s departure came after he sought refuge in Russia, concluding an era of his family’s dominance over Syria.
This high-stakes visit follows diplomatic engagement with European allies like France and the United Kingdom in recent days.
U.S. Perspectives on Assad’s Overthrow
President Joe Biden and senior officials have characterized Assad’s ousting as a significant chance for the Syrian populace, long oppressed under his regime. However, they caution that the nation now enters a phase fraught with potential dangers and unpredictability.
The armed group that played a pivotal role in ousting Assad—Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)—is officially categorized as a foreign terrorist organization by the United States, Canada, and other countries. This designation stemmed from the group’s violent actions and extremist ideology, which previously included the Nusra Front, responsible for numerous attacks against civilians.
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Abu Mohammed Al-Golani, the current leader of HTS, is anticipated to be a significant figure in shaping Syria’s future. Recent reports detail his rise within the rebel hierarchy and the implications of his leadership for the country.
Despite the terrorist designation and accompanying sanctions for HTS, U.S. officials retain the ability to communicate with its leaders. HTS has established a transitional government that managed the governance of a rebel-held area in northwestern Syria for three months.
The State Department confirmed that the U.S. delegation will engage with HTS officials, though it remains unclear if Abu Mohammed Al-Golani will be among those representatives.
In 2016, the FBI offered a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to Golani’s capture. He originally emerged as an insurgent in Iraq in 2003, was briefly detained by U.S. forces, then returned to Syria to form the Nusra Front before cutting ties with al-Qaeda and ISIS.
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Golani has engaged with Western media recently, voicing commitment to women’s rights and minority protections; however, U.S. officials express skepticism regarding the sincerity of these promises in the long term.
The visit by U.S. diplomats to Damascus does not signify an immediate reopening of the U.S. embassy, which continues to be safeguarded by the Czech government. U.S. officials indicated that any decisions regarding diplomatic recognition will depend on the new Syrian authorities’ intentions.
U.S. Military Involvement in Syria
Although formal embassy operations were halted during Syria’s civil conflict, U.S. military personnel remain active in the country, primarily targeting the Islamic State militant group.
On Thursday, the Pentagon disclosed that the U.S. military presence in Syria has increased to 2,000 troops as part of its campaign against ISIS, a significant rise from previously disclosed numbers. These additional forces are temporary rotations intended to adapt to the changing operational demands, while around 900 troops are on extended assignments.
The U.S. has intensified airstrikes against ISIS targets, motivated by concerns regarding a possible power vacuum that could allow the group to regroup and strengthen its capabilities.
American officials are particularly vigilant about the potential for conflict in northeastern Syria, where Turkish-aligned factions might clash with U.S.-supported Kurdish forces.
During their meetings, American diplomats will prioritize inquiries about the status of missing U.S. journalist Austin Tice, among others who vanished amidst the Assad regime’s actions. Tice disappeared at a checkpoint in a contested area near Damascus, and a video released shortly after his abduction depicted him held captive, blindfolded, and pleading for help. Assad’s government has denied any knowledge of his whereabouts.
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www.cbc.ca