The decision aims to support Syria's new leadership and facilitate international relations while raising concerns about stability and governance in the war-torn nation.
US to Delist Syria's HTS as Terrorist Organization
US to Delist Syria's HTS as Terrorist Organization
The US announces plans to lift the terrorist designation from Syria's Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, leading to potential normalization of ties.
In a significant political shift, the United States is expected to remove the Syrian militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) from its list of foreign terrorist organizations. This change, outlined in a state department memorandum, is anticipated to take effect on Tuesday. HTS played a pivotal role in a recent offensive that contributed to the downfall of the Assad regime, which had dominated Syrian politics for over five decades. Ahmed al-Sharaa, the group's leader, has now taken on the role of interim president.
HTS, formerly associated with al-Qaeda as its Syrian affiliate, distanced itself from the terrorist organization in 2016 under al-Sharaa’s leadership. In recent months, Western nations have shown a willingness to recalibrate their approach towards Syria, which has endured stringent sanctions aimed at the prior government. In a noteworthy development, former President Trump issued an executive order in late June, formally lifting US sanctions against Syria to promote a trajectory towards "stability and peace."
A State Department release indicated that the US would be vigilant in observing the actions of the new Syrian administration. This includes encouraging normalization of relations with Israel and addressing the presence of foreign terrorist organizations as well as banning Palestinian militant groups. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani expressed optimism, stating the decision would remove obstacles to economic recovery and foster engagement with the global community.
Moreover, discussions between Syria and the US over the reimplementation of a 1974 disengagement agreement with Israel have commenced. Meanwhile, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy made a historic visit to Syria—the first by a senior British official in 14 years—announcing a £94.5 million support package targeting long-term recovery and aid for Syrian refugees.
Despite al-Sharaa's assurances of a "new Syria," apprehensions linger regarding the government’s operations, particularly given his radical background. Presently, only one woman has been appointed to the cabinet, and al-Sharaa’s centralized approach to appointments raises eyebrows among the populace. Reports of violent attacks targeting minority groups also paint a troubling picture, with several tragic incidents reported in recent months—including clashes between security forces and loyalist factions and a deadly attack on a church in Damascus that claimed over twenty lives.
