Top diplomats from the Biden administration arrived in Damascus on Friday to hold meetings with the new Syrian authorities, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, News.bg reports.
Among the US representatives present were Barbara Leaf, head of the State Department's Near East Department, Roger Carstens, presidential envoy for hostage affairs, and Daniel Rubinstein, newly appointed senior adviser responsible for Syria.
Contact with the new Syrian government
The US delegation's trip is the first visit by top US diplomats to Syria since the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Existing diplomatic efforts by EU countries, such as France and the UK, also show a growing commitment to the country’s new government. The visit is intended to discuss principles such as inclusiveness and respect for minority rights that the US wants to underpin a political transition in Syria.
Responding to humanitarian and strategic issues
During their visit, US officials will discuss Syria-related issues, such as the engagement of diverse communities, including civil society. They will also discuss ways to obtain new information about missing American citizens, including journalist Austin Tice, who was captured in 2012.
Establishing a transitional government
HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (also known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani) and his forces replaced the Assad regime, installing a three-month transitional government in northwestern Syria. This change in government has raised questions about Syria's future and whether the rebels will be able to ensure an orderly transition after more than 13 years of civil war.
US response and concerns about extremism
The US has also expressed concern about the possible resurgence of extremist groups such as ISIS in the region. With potential for conflict remaining in the country, Washington has urged avoiding clashes between different rebel factions, especially in northeastern Syria, where US-backed Kurdish forces are based.