December 14th 2024.
During his recent trip to the region, Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed that the United States has been in direct contact with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Syrian rebel group currently in control of the country. This marks the first public acknowledgement of communication with the US-designated terrorist group, which came at the end of Blinken's swift diplomatic journey in response to the sudden collapse of President Bashar al-Assad's regime.
At a news conference in Aqaba, Jordan, Blinken stated that the US has been in contact with HTS and other parties, but did not provide specific details about when or at what level the contact occurred. He also noted that there is no legal barrier preventing the US from speaking with designated terrorist groups.
Blinken also spoke about the efforts to locate American journalist Austin Tice, who has been detained in Syria for over a decade. He emphasized the US's commitment to finding him, especially in light of the Assad regime's downfall.
In addition to their interactions with HTS, the US has also shared their expectations for a new Syrian government, which include respecting the rights of all Syrians, preventing the country from becoming a terrorist base, providing humanitarian aid, and securing and destroying chemical weapons. These principles were agreed upon by the US and a coalition of other countries at an urgent ministerial meeting in Aqaba on Saturday.
According to Blinken, this agreement sends a unified message to the new interim authority and parties in Syria. However, he also acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead, especially in light of the recent developments in the region.
Throughout his trip, Blinken stressed the importance of the US's involvement in helping the Syrian people during this crucial time. He also addressed the potential complications that may arise due to the shifting dynamics on the ground, including the recent fighting between Turkish-backed forces and the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
In meetings with Turkish leaders, Blinken warned against any actions that may distract the SDF from their mission of degrading ISIS. He also emphasized the importance of preventing any actions that could jeopardize the potential formation of a unified government in Syria.
During his visit to Baghdad, Blinken urged Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to crack down on Iranian-backed militias and prevent the transit of weapons through Iraq to Shia militias in Syria. These militias have previously targeted US personnel and interests.
The response to Israel's actions in Syria also emerged as a point of division between the US and its Arab partners. While many Middle Eastern nations have condemned Israel's seizure of a buffer zone in Syria, the US has not publicly condemned the move. Blinken explained that the goal of these actions is to prevent abandoned military equipment from falling into the wrong hands and that the US is in communication with Israel about the situation.
Overall, Blinken's trip aimed to address the various challenges and concerns in the region, including the ongoing conflict in Syria and the potential consequences for neighboring countries. As the US continues to work with its partners and navigate the complex dynamics in the region, the situation remains fluid and ongoing efforts are necessary to ensure stability and security.
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