The US diplomatic visit to Damascus reflects a shift in strategy, indicating a willingness to engage with the new Syrian leadership despite previous isolationist tendencies.
The limited influence of the US in Syria underscores the complexities of the region's political landscape and the challenges of establishing a stable governance structure post-Assad.
The ongoing classification of HTS as a terrorist organization presents significant hurdles for US efforts to promote political stability and humanitarian relief in Syria.
The contrasting views on Ahmad al-Sharaa's leadership highlight the difficulties in navigating relationships with Syrian factions while addressing US national interests.
The Biden administration may continue to pursue a cautious engagement strategy with Syria, balancing diplomatic outreach with the need to address security concerns.
Future US policy could hinge on the actions of HTS and the new Syrian administration, particularly regarding their commitment to inclusive governance and counter-terrorism efforts.
Increased diplomatic efforts may lead to a gradual reassessment of US sanctions and classifications related to Syrian factions, depending on their political behavior.
The evolving situation in Syria may prompt further discussions within the US government about the role of American influence in the region, especially in light of changing geopolitical dynamics.
Experts have expressed that the recent visit by a high-ranking US diplomatic delegation to Damascus marks a significant step towards increased American involvement in Syrian affairs. This visit is the first official engagement by US officials in over a decade, following the recent political transition in Syria after the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime. The delegation, which included key figures such as Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf, aimed to gather information regarding missing American journalist Austin Tice, who was kidnapped in 2012.
Despite the visit being seen as a positive move, experts believe that Washington's influence in Syria remains limited. Former officials and analysts have pointed out that while the US is attempting to engage with the new Syrian administration, it has little leverage to effect substantial change. The delegation's discussions with Ahmad al-Sharaa, the new commander-in-chief, focused on issues such as women's rights, the management of chemical weapons, and the containment of ISIS, but skepticism remains regarding the US's ability to influence the political transition effectively.
The US continues to classify Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) as a terrorist organization, which complicates potential sanctions relief for Syria. The delegation's visit was partly aimed at exploring the possibility of delisting HTS, contingent on the group's commitment to a more inclusive political process. Experts suggest that the US is adopting a 'step-by-step diplomacy' approach, requiring clear evidence of HTS's compliance with its commitments before any significant policy changes are made.
Analysts have highlighted a dual perspective regarding the new Syrian leadership under Ahmad al-Sharaa. While some view him as a pragmatic leader capable of facilitating a political transition, others remain wary due to his past associations with violence against Americans. The Biden administration's strategy appears to be focused on preventing Syria from becoming a source of regional instability, contrasting with the previous administration's isolationist stance.
