US Talks with HTS After Assad's Overthrow

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed that American officials have been in direct contact with the Syrian rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which has recently overthrown President Bashar al-Assad’s government. HTS, formerly affiliated with al-Qaida and designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. since 2018, led a coalition that ousted Assad. Despite the terrorist designation, sanctions do not prohibit U.S. officials from communicating with the group. Blinken emphasized the importance of conveying messages about governance and expressed U.S. support for Syria's successful transition. HTS leader Ahmad al-Sharaa has been making efforts to reassure Western nations by advocating for minority and women's rights, though skepticism remains about their long-term intentions. The U.S. aims to assist Syria's transition and may consider sanctions relief if certain goals are met during this period.