US officials met with Syria’s interim authorities to discuss ongoing efforts against ISIS and the prevention of Iranian influence in Syria. Approximately 2,000 US troops are involved in these operations, and the meeting underscored the need for inclusive political representation. Additionally, recent military actions led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham have shifted the regional power balance, influencing US strategies moving forward.
On Tuesday, US officials engaged with Syria’s interim authorities amidst ongoing international diplomatic efforts, highlighting the necessity of persistently combating ISIS. Approximately 2,000 US troops are currently stationed in northeastern Syria as part of the Global Coalition against ISIS, primarily operating in regions under Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) control. In a statement via X, the US Embassy in Damascus underscored the importance of protecting American citizens, determining the status of missing US nationals, continuing the fight against ISIS, obstructing the resurgence of Iran in Syria, and advocating for an inclusive political process representing all Syrian citizens.
Earlier this month, a significant milestone was marked by the US delegation’s first formal visit to Damascus following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Led by Barbara Leaf, the US State Department’s chief diplomat for the Middle East, the delegation convened with Ahmad Al-Sharaa, the new leader of Syria and head of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an entity previously known as Jabhat al-Nusra. During their discussions, Leaf articulated Washington’s decision to cease offering a bounty for Al-Sharaa’s capture, emphasizing the critical need to ensure that terrorist entities do not present a threat within Syrian territory.
Notably, US officials and various Western nations expressed approval when HTS-driven factions successfully ousted Al-Assad following a surprise military operation on December 8th, which was marked by the abrupt withdrawal of the Syrian army. This development signifies a pivotal shift in the regional power balance and highlights the ongoing complexities of US-Syrian relations in the context of broader Middle Eastern geopolitics.
The recent meeting between US officials and Syria’s interim authorities occurs against the backdrop of a shifting political landscape in Syria following the downfall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The involvement of US troops in northeastern Syria is part of a wider international initiative to combat ISIS effectively, while also looking to limit Iranian influence in the region. The discussions reflect broader strategic interests, including the US commitment to regional security and the pursuit of an inclusive political solution that addresses the aspirations of all Syrian citizens.
In summary, the US officials’ dialogue with Syria’s interim authorities serves as a crucial indication of America’s strategic commitment to countering ISIS and preventing Iranian influence in the region. This engagement also marks a significant step towards establishing a more inclusive political framework in Syria, alongside reaffirming the US’s intent to ensure the safety of its citizens and the ongoing monitoring of terrorist threats. The evolving dynamics following the ousting of the Assad regime will certainly influence future US-Syrian relations and regional stability overall.
Original Source: shafaq.com
