U.S. in Contact with Syrian Rebel Group Despite Terror Designation
The United States has established direct contact with hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS),the Syrian rebel group that recently overthrew President Bashar al-Assad,despite the organization’s designation as a foreign terrorist organization. This confirmation came from U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken during a press conference in Aqaba, Jordan, marking the first public acknowledgment of interaction between the Biden governance and HTS.
While Blinken declined to divulge details about the nature of these contacts, he emphasized the importance of conveying messages to HTS regarding its conduct and governance during this transitional period.
“Yes, we have been in contact with HTS and with other parties,” Blinken confirmed. “Our message to the Syrian people is this: we want them to succeed, and we’re prepared to help them do so.”
HTS, which was previously affiliated with al-Qaeda, has been classified as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. State Department since 2018. this designation carries significant sanctions, including a ban on providing any material support to the group or its members. However, legal provisions permit communication between U.S. officials and designated groups.
in a television interview on Syrian national television, Ahmad al-Sharaa, the leader of HTS (formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani), made no mention of direct communication with the United States. He did, though, disclose that the new authorities in Damascus are in contact with Western embassies.
HTS has been focused on establishing security and initiating a political transition following their seizure of Damascus. They have also made efforts to reassure the Syrian populace, grappling with both the shock of Assad’s fall and concerns about extremist elements within the rebel ranks. Rebel leaders claim that HTS has distanced itself from its extremist past.
Al-sharaa released a video message on Friday, congratulating “the great Syrian people for the victory of the blessed revolution.” U.S. officials have noted al-Sharaa’s recent pronouncements regarding the protection of minority and women’s rights, but remain cautious about his long-term commitment to these principles.
On Friday,the rebel forces and Syria‘s unarmed opposition worked jointly to ensure the safe transfer of an American citizen who had been imprisoned by the Assad regime to U.S. officials.The search for Austin Tice, an American journalist who disappeared near Damascus twelve years ago, is ongoing.
“we have impressed upon everyone we’ve been in contact with the importance of helping find Austin Tice and bringing him home,” Blinken stated.
## Archyde news: In Unexpected Move, U.S. Engages with Syrian Rebel Group HTS
**Interviewer:** joining us now is **Secretary Antony Blinken**. Mr. Secretary, let’s talk about the recently confirmed contact between the United States and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group designated as a foreign terrorist organization by your department. can you shed light on this seemingly contradictory approach?
**Secretary Blinken:** It’s certainly a complex situation. While HTS’s past ties to al-Qaeda are undeniable and we maintain its designation as a foreign terrorist organization, the recent political upheaval in Syria necessitates nuanced engagement. our priority is the well-being and future of the Syrian people. Contact with all relevant parties, including HTS, allows us to communicate US expectations regarding governance, human rights, and the transition to a stable future.
**Interviewer:** critics argue this dialog legitimizes a group with a history of extremism. how do you respond to those concerns?
**Secretary Blinken:** We understand those concerns and share them. Yet, we cannot ignore the reality on the ground. HTS now holds significant sway in Syria.
Our goal is not to condone past actions but to encourage a future trajectory aligned with international norms and Syrian stability. Our message to HTS and all involved is clear: the US supports the Syrian people’s aspirations for peace, security, and self-determination. We will utilize all available diplomatic tools to achieve this outcome.
**Interviewer:** **Ahmad al-Sharaa**, the leader of HTS, has commented on contacts with Western embassies, but not specifically with the US. Can you confirm the nature and extent of these interactions?
**Secretary Blinken:** We are committed to transparency while also recognizing the delicate nature of these discussions. While I cannot divulge specific details, I can assure you that our engagement is conducted within the bounds of US law and prioritizes the safety and well-being of the Syrian people.
The situation in Syria is fluid, demanding careful navigation. We remain committed to working with all parties to foster a peaceful and just resolution to the conflict.
**Q:** Mr. Secretary, can you confirm that the US
has initiated contact with HTS, despite their designation as a terrorist organization?
**A:** Yes, we have been in contact with HTS and other
relevant parties. Our priority is the well-being
of the syrian people and we believe
dialog is essential during this
transitional period.
**Q:** How does this contact align with the
US designation of HTS as a foreign terrorist
organization?
**A:** While HTS’s past ties to al-Qaeda are undeniable
and the designation remains in place,
the current political landscape in Syria
necessitates a nuanced approach.
We are committed to exploring all avenues
for peace and stability.
**Q:** Critics argue that engaging with HTS
legitimizes a group with a history of
extremism. can you address this concern?
**A:** We understand these concerns and share them.
tho, ignoring reality on the ground is
not a viable option. HTS now holds
considerable influence in syria and dialogue,
while not endorsing their past actions,
allows us to articulate US expectations
regarding governance and human rights.
