U.S. Engages Indirectly with Syrian Armed Groups Following Assad's Overthrow
The United States has initiated indirect communication with Syrian armed groups that have assumed control as transitional government forces after the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad, according to The New York Times.
U.S. Relays Messages via Turkey
U.S. and Turkish officials confirmed that the Biden administration has conveyed messages to these groups through Turkey. These communications began on November 27, coinciding with the rebels' offensive, which ultimately led to the capture of Damascus.
Initial U.S. messaging outlined clear boundaries for the militants' actions, including a firm warning against collaboration with ISIS. The armed groups reportedly assured Washington that they have no intentions of involving the extremist organization in their operations.
Leadership Complications
The rebels' capture of Damascus has shifted the regional dynamic, with Assad reportedly seeking asylum in Russia. However, the transitional forces' leadership presents challenges for the Biden administration's engagement strategy.
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), led by Abu Mohammad al-Jolani—a figure on the U.S. terror list with a $10 million bounty—remains a critical concern. HTS is designated a terrorist organization by both the U.S. and the United Nations, complicating the possibility of direct dialogue.
U.S. officials have acknowledged al-Jolani's attempts to reshape HTS’s public image. While some officials view this "charm offensive" as a potential shift, others stress the need for vigilance.
Balancing Syria’s Complex Landscape
As Washington reevaluates its approach, it continues to navigate Syria’s multifaceted post-Assad landscape. This includes managing tensions between Kurdish factions, such as the U.S.-supported Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), and Turkish-backed groups like the Syrian National Army (SNA).
The U.S. maintains strong support for the SDF, providing intelligence assistance to bolster their operations in eastern Syria.
Stability as a Priority
The Biden administration’s actions reflect a cautious yet active strategy, aimed at ensuring stability in Syria while reassessing relationships with key players in the region. This approach underscores Washington’s balancing act in engaging with transitional forces while addressing security and geopolitical concerns.
U.S. Engages Indirectly with Syrian Armed Groups Post-Assad Overthrow
The United States has initiated indirect communication with armed groups in Syria, now functioning as transitional government forces following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad, The New York Times reported.
According to U.S. and Turkish officials, the Biden administration relayed messages through Turkey to these groups since the onset of their offensive on November 27, which culminated in the capture of Syria’s capital, Damascus.
Initial U.S. communications reportedly outlined boundaries for the militants' actions. Among these, the U.S. warned against including ISIS in their operations, to which the armed groups assured they had no such plans.
With the rebels now controlling Damascus and Assad reportedly seeking asylum in Russia, the Biden administration is assessing the extent to which it should engage with the groups directly. However, this evaluation is complicated by the leadership of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a designated terrorist organization by both the U.S. and the United Nations. HTS leader Abu Mohammad al-Jolani remains on a U.S. terror list, with a $10 million bounty on his head.
Despite HTS's history, U.S. officials suggest a cautious reassessment of al-Jolani's recent actions, noting his apparent effort to portray the group in a different light. “A charm offensive might signal a shift in perspective, but it also requires vigilance,” one U.S. official said.
Simultaneously, Washington continues to balance its role in Syria’s complex landscape, including managing tensions between Kurdish factions and Turkish-backed forces like the Syrian National Army (SNA). U.S. support for the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) remains steadfast, with intelligence aid reportedly aiding their operations in eastern Syria.
This multifaceted approach reflects the Biden administration's cautious but active engagement with Syria’s transitional phase, prioritizing stability while reevaluating key actors in the region