US Removes $10 Million Bounty on Syrian Leader

The US has officially scrapped a $10 million bounty on Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, following a historic diplomatic visit to Damascus, which was the first by American officials since the onset of the Syrian civil war over a decade ago. Assistant Secretary of State Barbara Leaf described the meeting with al-Sharaa and representatives from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) as 'very productive', emphasizing the need for cooperation against terrorism and discussing the issue of missing American citizens. The discussions also considered the potential for a transition in governance post-Bashar al-Assad, with the US looking to influence emerging leadership amidst significant shifts in the region. Despite HTS's previous designation as a terrorist organization, the US is now engaging with its leadership to foster stability and counter threats. This diplomatic shift reflects a pragmatic approach by Washington as it attempts to recalibrate its strategies in Syria following the recent overthrow of the Assad regime. The US delegation also engaged with civil society groups to explore their visions for Syria's future.