The United States has announced its intention to lift the $10 million bounty on Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), marking a significant shift in its approach to Syria’s post-conflict leadership. The decision follows direct talks between US officials and Jolani, who now uses his birth name, Ahmed al-Sharaa, in Damascus.
A New Chapter in US-Syria Relations
Barbara Leaf, the US State Department’s top Middle East official, revealed that the move is contingent on HTS demonstrating a commitment to preventing terrorism both within Syria and beyond its borders. The US, while maintaining its designation of HTS as a terrorist organisation, is exploring avenues to engage with the group’s leadership under evolving circumstances in Syria.
“We will judge by deeds, not just by words,” said Leaf, following a meeting with Jolani. She described the discussions as “productive” and noted Jolani’s pragmatic stance on issues such as equal protections for women and minorities. However, Washington has made it clear that lifting sanctions and the terrorist designation imposed on HTS in 2018 will depend on the group’s adherence to principles of inclusive governance and stability.
HTS’s Path to Legitimacy
Jolani, once a central figure in the opposition against Bashar al-Assad’s regime, is now positioning HTS as a key player in Syria’s transitional governance. In statements following the meeting, HTS underscored its commitment to accountability, justice, and the prosecution of war criminals. The group also emphasised the importance of Syria’s economic recovery and the lifting of international sanctions.
US officials acknowledged that internal and external pressures will likely shape HTS’s next steps. “There’s going to be quite a degree of internal pressure on both the interim authorities and the eventual transitional government to align with requirements necessary for the lifting of sanctions,” said Leaf.
Economic Recovery and Regional Stability
Jolani has reportedly prioritised economic recovery for Syria, a nation battered by years of civil war and widespread devastation. His leadership, and that of any transitional government to follow, will be instrumental in determining the pace and scope of reconstruction efforts. HTS has expressed aspirations for regional peace and strategic partnerships, indicating a desire for integration into the broader Middle Eastern geopolitical framework.
The US delegation to Damascus included Roger Carstens, the special envoy for hostages, and Daniel Rubenstein, a senior diplomat who will oversee engagement with Syria. This visit also aimed to address the fate of Austin Tice, an American journalist who disappeared in Damascus in 2012. Carstens stated that there is no conclusive evidence regarding Tice’s current status.
Future Engagement
The lifting of the bounty signals a cautious but notable shift in US policy, aimed at fostering dialogue with transitional authorities in Syria. While material support to HTS remains off the table due to its terrorist designation, Washington’s willingness to engage with Jolani reflects a broader effort to stabilise the region and navigate the complexities of Syria’s recovery.
Further trips by US officials are planned as conditions allow, with a focus on engaging with various stakeholders and monitoring HTS’s progress in implementing promised reforms. The developments underscore a nuanced approach by the US in addressing the multifaceted challenges of Syria’s post-conflict landscape, balancing the demands of accountability, inclusivity, and stability.
This move may pave the way for a redefined relationship between Syria and the international community, contingent on the fulfilment of commitments by HTS and its leadership.
Read also:
The Rise of Abu Muhammad al-Jolani: Syria’s Rebel Leader Rebrands for Legitimacy
