The US's engagement with the new Syrian administration reflects a potential shift in foreign policy towards Syria, especially in light of the recent political changes in the country.
The possibility of removing Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham from the terrorist list indicates a strategic recalibration by the US, aiming to foster stability in the region and support a government that represents various components of Syrian society.
The upcoming meeting in Damascus may pave the way for more formal diplomatic relations between the US and Syria, potentially leading to a broader international recognition of the new Syrian administration.
If the US decides to lift sanctions and remove Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham from the terrorist list, it could significantly alter the dynamics of power and governance in Syria.
The Financial Times reported that the outgoing US President Joe Biden will send a delegation to Damascus, led by Barbara Leaf, the chief diplomat of the US State Department. This visit marks a significant diplomatic engagement with the new Syrian administration under Ahmed al-Sharaa, following the recent fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime. The meeting is expected to be the first official contact between the United States and Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, a group that has been previously designated as a terrorist organization by the US.
The US administration has indicated a willingness to reconsider the status of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, potentially removing it from the terrorist list. This shift comes as al-Sharaa has called for the lifting of sanctions on Syria and has assured that the new administration does not pose a threat to any nation. The US has emphasized that its future actions regarding the new Syrian government will depend on the developments on the ground rather than mere rhetoric.
