US Engages Syrian Rebels In Bid to Stabilise Post-Assad Syria

The Biden administration has initiated contact with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the rebel group that led the ouster of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, urging them not to assume automatic leadership of the country.

Instead, Washington is pressing for an inclusive process to establish a transitional government.

These communications are reportedly part of broader US efforts to manage the aftermath of Assad's sudden fall, which left a power vacuum in Syria.

HTS, formerly allied with al-Qaeda and designated a terrorist organization by the United States, has been a controversial actor.

The United States’ engagement with the group is conducted in coordination with allies, including Turkey.

A US official emphasised that messages have been sent to HTS to guide initial steps toward forming a credible, inclusive, and non-sectarian governing body, aligning with Secretary of State Antony Blinken's outlined criteria for Syria’s political transition.

“We would not support HTS taking control without a formal process to select new leaders,” an official stated.

The 2013 U.S. designation of HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (Abu Mohammed al-Golani) as a terrorist has added complexity to these interactions.

Al-Golani, accused of overseeing violent attacks and promoting extremist ideologies, has not clarified his role or stance on moderating HTS's approach in Syria.

US officials remain uncertain about his potential participation in any future Syrian government.

Some U.S. lawmakers are advocating for the possibility of lifting sanctions on Syria, including those tied to HTS, provided the group meets certain demands.

This, proponents argue, could help integrate a transitional government into the global economy and support Syria's reconstruction. However, sanctions currently impede such efforts.

The United States also maintains its focus on preventing a resurgence of ISIS, with approximately 900 US troops stationed in eastern Syria.

These forces are tasked with combating ISIS and curbing the influence of Iranian-backed proxy groups.

Amid these developments, President-elect Trump’s perspective on US involvement in Syria offers insight into potential policy shifts.

Trump, who has expressed disdain for prolonged US engagements in the Middle East, previously referred to Syria as a land of “sand and death.”

On social media, he commented, “This is not our fight. Let it play out. Do not get involved.”

During his presidency, Trump oscillated between withdrawing US forces and acknowledging their strategic importance.

While he initially sought to pull troops from Syria, advisers convinced him of their utility in countering ISIS and Iranian influence.

Trump authorised two airstrikes on Assad’s forces in 2017 and 2018 to deter chemical weapons use.

“No amount of American blood or treasure can produce lasting peace and security in the Middle East,” Trump said at the time.

“It’s a troubled place. We will try to make it better, but it is a troubled place. The United States will be a partner and a friend, but the fate of the region lies in the hands of its own peoplem"

As Syria’s transition unfolds, U.S. policymakers face complex decisions. Engaging with HTS could potentially steer the group toward moderation, but it also have risks tied to its terrorist designation and history.

Now, the focus will be on how the incoming Trump government navigates this complex situation.

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