US Diplomats in Damascus to Confer with Syrian Leaders Who Overthrew Assad Regime | World News
The first American diplomats to step foot in Syria following the downfall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime are currently in Damascus to engage in discussions with the nation’s new leadership.
The primary focus of the delegation is believed to be the fate of American journalist Austin Tice, who has been missing since 2012.
This diplomatic visit occurs nearly two weeks after the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) rebel faction concluded over 50 years of Assad family rule in a rapid military offensive.
A spokesperson for the US State Department mentioned that American officials are scheduled to meet with members of HTS, but did not specify if discussions would include the organization’s leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa.
“(The delegation) will be directly interacting with the Syrian populace, including civil society members, activists, various community representatives, and other voices from Syria, to understand their vision for the future and how the United States can assist them,” stated the US State Department.
This visit follows shortly after British diplomats engaged with al-Sharaa, who previously had ties to al-Qaeda.
HTS is classified as a foreign terrorist organization by the United States, the UK, the UN, and the EU.
While this designation brings about a series of sanctions, it does not inhibit American or British officials from communicating with HTS members or leaders.
British officials meet with Ahmad al Sharaa in Syria. Pic: Military operation administration
The US delegation, led by Barbara Leaf, a senior State Department official for the Middle East, aims to advocate for the inclusion and protection of minority groups within the country.
They will also urge Syria’s leaders to renounce terrorism—a condition that the Biden administration asserts is essential for any US backing of a new government.
Al-Sharaa, previously known by the alias Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, has attempted to alleviate Western concerns since taking power, including in remarks made to Sky News.
While American officials appreciate his public commitments to uphold the rights of minorities and women, there remains skepticism about his genuine intent to realize these promises in the long term.
This diplomatic mission takes place over ten years after the US closed its embassy in Damascus during Syria’s civil conflict in 2012.
Officials indicated that this visit will not immediately lead to the reopening of the embassy, which is currently under the protection of the Czech government.
They noted that America will consider diplomatic recognition once the new Syrian authorities clarify their intentions.
Despite the absence of an official diplomatic presence, US troops have maintained a small footprint in Syria over the years to combat the Islamic State (IS).
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The United States has intensified its search efforts for missing journalist Austin Tice since the takeover by rebels earlier this month.
Roger Carstens, who serves as the chief hostage negotiations envoy for the Biden administration, is among the delegates present in Damascus today.
Previously, he traveled to Lebanon to gather information about Tice, who vanished at a checkpoint in a contentious area west of Damascus during the civil war.
A video released weeks after Tice’s disappearance depicted him blindfolded and held captive by armed individuals, during which he uttered, “Oh, Jesus.”
Since then, he has had no confirmed communication.
The Syrian government has publicly denied holding him.
