Syrian rebels/ US-Syria relations/ Hayat Tahrir al-Sham/ Austin Tice/ post-Assad Syria/ Blinken announcement/ AQABA/ Jordan/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed direct contact with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Syrian rebel group that overthrew Bashar Assad. Despite HTS being designated a terrorist organization, the U.S. aims to support Syria’s transition and urges cooperation in locating missing journalist Austin Tice.
US and Syrian Rebels: Quick Looks
- Direct Contact Confirmed: Blinken revealed communication with HTS, a coalition of rebels that ousted Assad.
- Support for Transition: The U.S. conveyed expectations for governance and minority and women’s rights in post-Assad Syria.
- Terror Designation: HTS remains a designated terrorist group by the U.S., complicating engagement efforts.
- Focus on Austin Tice: The U.S. presses for assistance in locating the journalist missing since 2012.
- Rebel Assurances: HTS leader Ahmad al-Sharaa claims the group has moved past its extremist roots.
Blinken: U.S. Has Been in Direct Contact with Lead Syrian Rebel Group
Deep Look
US Confirms Dialogue with Syrian Rebels
Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced Saturday that American officials have been in direct contact with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the rebel group responsible for toppling Syrian President Bashar Assad. Speaking from Aqaba, Jordan, Blinken highlighted the need to engage with the group to ensure stability during Syria’s political transition.
“Yes, we have been in contact with HTS and with other parties,” Blinken said, adding, “Our message to the Syrian people is this: We want them to succeed and we’re prepared to help them do so.”
This marks the first public acknowledgment of U.S. communication with HTS, a group designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the State Department in 2018. Despite its designation, the U.S. is not barred from non-material communication with such groups.
HTS and the Post-Assad Transition
HTS, formerly linked to al-Qaida, has led efforts to stabilize Syria following Assad’s fall. The group’s leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, has vowed to protect minority and women’s rights, although U.S. officials remain skeptical about his long-term intentions.
In a video message Friday, al-Sharaa congratulated the Syrian people on their “blessed revolution” and called for unity in rebuilding the nation.
HTS has worked alongside other opposition groups to establish security and initiate political reforms. While they have distanced themselves from their extremist origins, doubts persist about their commitment to inclusive governance.
Focus on Missing Americans
Blinken also confirmed ongoing efforts to recover Americans who were detained during Assad’s regime. On Friday, the rebels facilitated the safe transfer of a U.S. citizen who had been imprisoned by Assad’s forces.
A key priority for the U.S. is locating Austin Tice, a journalist who disappeared in 2012 near Damascus.
Blinken reiterated the urgency of this mission, stating, “We have impressed upon everyone we’ve been in contact with the importance of helping find Austin Tice and bringing him home.”
Challenges Ahead
The U.S. engagement with HTS is fraught with challenges, given the group’s terrorist designation and its controversial history. While HTS leaders have made statements emphasizing inclusivity and security, the international community remains cautious about legitimizing their role in Syria’s future.
Blinken emphasized that communication with HTS does not equate to formal recognition but is aimed at ensuring a peaceful and stable transition. The U.S. continues to monitor the situation closely while pressing for reforms and humanitarian efforts in the region.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.