US officials met with Syria’s interim authorities to discuss combating ISIS and preventing Iran’s resurgence. Approximately 2,000 US troops are deployed in northeastern Syria, supporting Kurdish-led forces. The meeting emphasized protecting US citizens and promoting an inclusive Syrian political process. A formal visit was made by a US delegation led by Barbara Leaf to the new leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, following the recent regime change.
On Tuesday, United States officials engaged with Syria’s interim authorities as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts, underscoring the significance of combating ISIS. Approximately 2,000 US servicemen are currently positioned in northeastern Syria under the auspices of the Global Coalition against ISIS, particularly in areas governed by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The US Embassy in Damascus emphasized in a post on X the meeting’s focus on safeguarding American citizens, addressing the fate of missing Americans, perpetuating the fight against ISIS, preventing Iranian resurgence in Syria, and promoting an inclusive political process for all Syrians.
Previously, this month marked the first formal delegation visit to Damascus since the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Led by Barbara Leaf, the State Department’s foremost diplomat for the Middle East, the delegation met with Ahmad Al-Sharaa, the new leader and head of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), formerly known as Jabhat al-Nusra. During discussions, Leaf conveyed to Al-Sharaa that the US would no longer provide incentives for his capture, stating, “We discussed the need to ensure that terrorist groups do not pose a threat within Syria.” Moreover, the US and certain Western powers expressed approval following HTS-led factions’ ousting of Al-Assad on December 8, stemming from a sudden military offensive coupled with the Syrian army’s abrupt withdrawal.
The ongoing engagement of US officials in Syria follows a historic period characterized by shifts in power dynamics after the civil unrest and conflict that led to the downfall of Bashar al-Assad’s administration. The presence of American troops is part of a wider strategy aimed at countering extremist groups, particularly ISIS, while simultaneously monitoring Iranian influences in the region. The US has consistently pursued an inclusive political solution that represents the diverse demographics of Syria’s populace, reflecting broader geopolitical interests in the Middle East.
The recent meetings between US officials and Syria’s interim authorities highlight the continuing commitment to countering ISIS and monitoring Iran’s activities in the region. This diplomatic engagement indicates a strategic shift in US-Syria relations while prioritizing the safety of American citizens and progressing toward an inclusive political framework for Syria. These efforts underscore the US’s role in shaping the post-Assad landscape and ensuring stability in the region.
Original Source: shafaq.com
