Washington and Moscow Engage with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham Amid Syrian Power Shift
In a significant turn of events in Syria, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has taken control of Damascus, prompting both the United States and Russia to establish contact with the newly formed administration. Following President Bashar al-Assad's flight to Moscow last Sunday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed direct communications with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. This development comes after a meeting in Jordan involving foreign ministers from Arab nations and Turkey, where a joint statement was released outlining the principles for a political transition in Syria, emphasizing inclusivity and minority rights.
Blinken stated, "We are in contact with Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham and other parties in Syria," indicating a shift in diplomatic dynamics in the region. Meanwhile, a Russian source revealed that discussions with the new Syrian administration are ongoing, and Russia intends to maintain its military presence in Syria, particularly at its main bases, despite withdrawing forces from northern Syria and the coastal mountains.
Ahmed al-Sharaa, the commander-in-chief of the new Syrian administration, noted that they are reaching out to Western embassies and are in talks with Britain about restoring diplomatic representation in Damascus. He emphasized that the new government holds no animosity towards the Iranian community, suggesting a potential shift in alliances and diplomatic relations in the region.
