WASHINGTON/DAMASCUS. U.S. diplomats held their first direct meeting with Syria’s de facto leader on Friday, Ahmed al-Sharaa, marking a significant shift in U.S. engagement with the country’s new administration following the overthrow of long-time president Bashar al-Assad.
The meeting, described as “good” and “very productive,” focused on Syria’s political transition and ensuring that the country remains free from threats posed by terrorist groups. Speaking to reporters, Barbara Leaf, the U.S. State Department’s top Middle East diplomat, emphasized the importance of actions over words.
“It was a good first meeting. We will judge by the deeds, not just by words,” said Leaf, who led the U.S. delegation. She added that the U.S. reiterated its stance that Syria’s new government must be inclusive and protect minority rights.
Leaf also confirmed that the U.S. decided to lift the $10 million bounty on al-Sharaa, saying, “Ahmed al-Sharaa committed to ensuring that terrorist groups cannot pose a threat. Based on our discussion, I told him we would not be pursuing rewards for justice.”
U.S. Engagement and Concerns
Ahmed al-Sharaa, who formerly led Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and was once designated a terrorist by Washington, is emerging as a pragmatic figure. While Western governments welcomed the overthrow of Assad, concerns linger over whether HTS will impose strict Islamic rule or embrace democratic reforms.
The U.S. delegation, which included Roger Carstens, Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, sought to open new channels of dialogue with the transitional government. Efforts were also made to gather information on missing U.S. citizens, including journalist Austin Tice, who was abducted in Syria in 2012.
“We have received a lot of information about Austin Tice, but none of it has confirmed his fate one way or another,” Carstens said, adding that the U.S. plans to collaborate with Syria’s interim authorities to resolve the case.
The U.S. cut diplomatic ties with Syria in 2012, but Daniel Rubinstein, a senior advisor leading U.S. engagement efforts, indicated that more diplomatic visits would follow. “We’re going to try to do them prudently and as frequently as practical,” Rubinstein stated.
A New Chapter for Syria
On Dec. 8, Syrian rebels led by HTS seized control of Damascus, forcing Assad to flee and ending his family’s decades-long rule. The rapid offensive brought an end to a 13-year civil war that left hundreds of thousands dead, millions displaced, and the nation’s infrastructure in ruins.
HTS, under al-Sharaa’s command, has since installed a three-month caretaker government, which previously governed the rebel stronghold of Idlib. Western governments, including the U.S., are now debating whether to remove HTS’s terrorist designation.
Al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, has sought to distance himself from HTS’s past. “The terrorist designation was unfair, and I oppose the killing of innocent people,” he reportedly stated.
However, apprehension remains. Many Syrians worry that the new administration may adopt hardline religious policies, marginalize minorities, and exclude women from public roles.
Public Reaction and Challenges Ahead
On Friday, thousands gathered at Ummayad Square in Damascus for a celebration organized by HTS. The crowd, a mix of civilians and armed rebels, waved the newly adopted Syrian flag and sang revolutionary songs.
Maram, a 62-year-old Syrian woman, shared her cautious optimism. “The country has been completely destroyed in every aspect,” she said, adding that her children, who fled to Europe 11 years ago, plan to return to help rebuild Syria. “We were not accustomed to freedom or governing our own country, so we will continue to monitor until we reach our goal.”
Yet, comments from Obaida Arnout, a spokesperson for the transitional government, have sparked concerns. Arnout recently stated that women’s “biological and physiological nature” made them unfit for certain government roles.
As Syrians grapple with their nation’s future, the international community is watching closely to see whether HTS can transition from a militant group to a governing body that embraces inclusivity, stability, and democratic principles.
