US Diplomats Meet Syria's New Rulers Amid Changing Political Landscape

Top diplomats from the Biden administration have arrived in Damascus for historic meetings with Syrian authorities led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), marking the first official in-person discussions between the US and Syria's de facto new rulers. This visit signals a significant shift in Western engagement with Syria following the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad's regime by opposition forces.

The US delegation, which includes Barbara Leaf (State Department’s top Middle East diplomat), Roger Carstens (Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs), and Daniel Rubinstein (Senior Advisor for Syria), is set to engage with HTS representatives and discuss key principles regarding Syria’s political transition. This includes inclusivity and minority rights as Washington looks to support the future of the war-torn country.

The visit comes amid a broader shift in Western policy, as countries like the US, France, and the UK begin opening channels with HTS, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa (Abu Mohammed al-Julani). The group, which was once labeled as a terrorist organization by the US, is now at the forefront of governance in Syria’s northwestern Idlib province. Washington has started debates on whether to reconsider HTS's terrorist designation in light of its growing influence.

US diplomats will also work to gather new information about American journalist Austin Tice, who went missing in Syria in 2012, and discuss the plight of other missing US citizens. They will engage with Syrian civil society members, activists, and local communities to learn more about their vision for Syria’s future and how the US can assist in the transition.

The Fall of Assad and Shifting Power Dynamics

The recent fall of Bashar al-Assad after over 13 years of civil war has upended the political landscape of Syria. Rebel forces seized control of Damascus on December 8, forcing Assad to flee, marking the end of his family’s long rule. The swift takeover has raised concerns about the stability and future governance of Syria. As HTS now takes the lead, questions remain about whether the group can ensure a peaceful and orderly transition for the country.

Russia, which had heavily supported Assad’s regime, has expressed concerns about the new developments, especially with Israel's growing military presence in Syria and the potential for further conflict with regional powers. Russian President Vladimir Putin has reiterated his support for Syria’s territorial integrity and sovereignty while continuing to back Russia's military bases in the country.

US Involvement and Strategic Interests

The US remains cautious about the ongoing risks in Syria, particularly regarding the resurgence of extremist groups like ISIS. The Biden administration is also focused on ensuring that there are no clashes between Turkey-backed rebel factions and US-aligned Kurdish forces in Syria’s northeast.