In a surprising turn, the United States has expressed its willingness to engage with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Syrian rebel group responsible for the recent overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad, despite their existing “foreign terrorist organization” designation. The State Department clarified that this label doesn’t preclude communication and stressed the importance of HTS’s role in shaping Syria’s future.
- US acknowledges HTS’s pivotal role in Syria’s future.
- “Foreign terrorist organization” label doesn’t automatically prevent dialogue.
- Review of HTS’s designation possible based on their actions.
- US seeks to prevent ISIS from exploiting the current instability.
- Discussions with Jordan’s King Abdullah II on regional stability.
US Willing to Talk Despite Terror Label
The State Department has confirmed that it is not currently reviewing the “foreign terrorist organization” designation of HTS. However, spokesman Matthew Miller stated that such designations are continually under evaluation and could change based on HTS’s future actions. He emphasized that even with the current label, dialogue is not off the table. This revelation follows the surprising collapse of Assad’s regime, indicating a significant shift in US foreign policy.
Why Talking to HTS Matters
A senior administration official, speaking anonymously, highlighted HTS as a crucial player in Syria’s future. The official explained the need for “appropriate engagement” with the group, keeping US interests in mind. This suggests that the US sees HTS as a potential partner in stabilizing Syria and preventing further chaos. While the specific nature of this engagement remains unclear, it marks a stark contrast to previous US policy towards designated terrorist groups.
Legal Precedent for Dialogue
Miller cited the Trump administration’s negotiations with the Taliban during the US withdrawal from Afghanistan as a precedent for talking to designated terrorist organizations. Although the Taliban was under a different designation (“specially designated global terrorist”), the example illustrates that communication with such groups is possible when deemed necessary for US interests. This also raises questions about how the US will balance its counter-terrorism efforts with the need for stability in Syria.
Working with Regional Partners
Amidst these developments, President Biden spoke with Jordan’s King Abdullah II to discuss the evolving situation and collaborative efforts to prevent ISIS from capitalizing on the power vacuum. They also addressed the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and the need for a ceasefire and hostage resolution in Gaza. This conversation emphasizes the regional implications of the Syrian crisis and the need for coordinated action.
Securing the US Embassy in Damascus
In a separate development, the State Department confirmed it has made arrangements with local groups to secure the closed US embassy in Damascus, which was previously under Czech protection. This move signifies the US’s concern for its diplomatic assets in the region despite the embassy’s closure in 2012.
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