US officials met with Syria’s interim authorities to address the fight against ISIS and prevent the resurgence of Iran. Approximately 2,000 US troops are stationed in northeastern Syria, cooperating with the Syrian Democratic Forces. The recent US delegation discussed safety for American citizens and the importance of a representative political process post-Assad regime. Notably, US will no longer pursue a reward for HTS leader Ahmad Al-Sharaa’s capture.
On Tuesday, United States officials convened with Syria’s interim authorities amid ongoing efforts to bolster cooperation against ISIS and thwart Iran’s resurgence. Approximately 2,000 US troops remain deployed in northeastern Syria as part of the Global Coalition against ISIS, primarily working in conjunction with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The meeting highlighted critical matters, including ensuring the safety of American citizens, the persistence of the fight against ISIS, and fostering a comprehensive political framework that represents all Syrians. Recent interactions included a visit by a US delegation, led by State Department diplomat Barbara Leaf, to Syria’s new leading figure, Ahmad Al-Sharaa, representing the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) faction that has taken control in the region following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. During this engagement, Ms. Leaf conveyed that the United States will no longer pursue a reward for Al-Sharaa’s capture, emphasizing the imperative to mitigate threats posed by terrorist entities within Syria.
The ongoing conflict in Syria has led to shifting alliances and authority, particularly after the removal of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. US involvement in this context has focused on combating the threat of ISIS and containing Iranian influence in the region. The presence of US troops working alongside Kurdish forces reflects America’s strategic interests in fostering stability and preventing the resurgence of extremist groups. Moreover, the emergence of HTS and its leadership under Ahmad Al-Sharaa marks a pivotal moment in Syria’s political landscape, altering the dynamics of both domestic and international relations.
In summary, the recent meeting between US officials and Syria’s interim authorities underscores the ongoing commitment to combatting ISIS and preventing Iranian influence in Syria. The continuation of US military presence, alongside discussions with new leadership, signifies a recalibrated approach in addressing the evolving geopolitical environment and supporting the establishment of an inclusive political process in Syria.
Original Source: shafaq.com
