US Officials Confirm Contact with Syrian Rebel Group: What It Means for the Future
The bombshell development in U.S. foreign policy came when Secretary of State Antony Blinken publicly confirmed for the first time that American officials have been in direct contact with HTS, the Syrian rebel group that had a leading role in the recent overthrow of the government of President Bashar al-Assad. This makes him the first U.S. official to acknowledge such communications and opens questions about what it means for Syria and the wider region.
Understanding the Context
Following a news conference in Aqaba, Jordan, on December 14, 2024, Blinken underscored how important these contacts are. He added that what the U.S. wants to do is to convey a number of critical messages to HTS about its conduct and the way it's governing in this transition period. "Yes, we have been in contact with HTS and with other parties," he added, while reaffirming the U.S.'s commitment to standing alongside the people of Syria in their pursuit of stability and prosperity.
HTS, which was once part of al-Qaida, has been designated a foreign terrorist organization by the State Department since 2018. That designation comes with heavy sanctions, including outlawing the provision of material support to the group. Still, it does not preclude U.S. officials from legally speaking with an organization so designated.
Changing the Balance of Power
The recent removal of Assad from power has been followed by a power vacuum in Syria, and for that reason, HTS has begun to provide security and started a political process. Its leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, has also made public pronouncements to reassure the Syrian populace, including on the issues of protection of minority and women's rights. U.S. officials are skeptical of these pronouncements, but acknowledge that