US Lifts Bounty on Syrian Leader Ahmed al-Sharaa

The Biden administration has lifted a $10 million bounty on Ahmed al-Sharaa, leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), following a significant meeting with U.S. diplomat Barbara Leaf in Damascus. This marks a notable shift in U.S.-Syria relations as Leaf acknowledged the incoherence of maintaining a bounty while engaging in discussions with al-Sharaa about regional stability and terrorism prevention. During the meeting, al-Sharaa committed to preventing terrorist threats against the U.S. and its allies, and emphasized the importance of education for women in Syria. While U.S. sanctions on Syria remain in place, Leaf expressed support for a Syrian-led political process that respects the rights of all communities. The meeting is seen as a step towards fostering a pragmatic government in Syria, amidst ongoing complexities in the region. Leaf also raised concerns over Iran's influence in Syria, advocating for its reduction as part of the discussions.