US Outlines Support for New Syrian Government

The Biden administration has announced its intention to recognize and support a new Syrian government that renounces terrorism, destroys chemical weapons, and upholds the rights of minorities and women. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized that the transition must be inclusive and led by the Syrian people, with the U.S. prepared to assist diverse communities in the country. While the administration is open to discussions with the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which has been designated a terrorist organization, it insists on an inclusive political process to prevent HTS from assuming control without proper governance structure. Blinken outlined that any future government must adhere to international standards of governance and not use Syria as a base for terrorism. The U.S. has also been conducting operations against ISIS to prevent its resurgence. This shift comes in the wake of the Assad regime's collapse, spurred by military action from HTS.