In a groundbreaking move, the United States has decided to withdraw its $10 million bounty for the arrest of Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, following a significant diplomatic breakthrough in Damascus. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf announced this development after high-level talks with the new Syrian administration.
This historic visit marked the first time US officials set foot in Syria since the removal of President Bashar al-Assad earlier this month. The regime change was led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group previously designated as a terrorist organization by the US in 2018. Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Julani, heads HTS and was once linked to al-Qaeda.
A New Chapter in US-Syria Relations
During the talks, Leaf cited “positive messages” from al-Sharaa, including assurances that terrorist groups would not be allowed to threaten regional or international stability. These discussions paved the way for the US to reconsider its stance.
“Based on our discussion, I informed him that we would no longer pursue the Rewards for Justice offer that has been active for years,” Leaf stated. She emphasized the importance of a Syrian-led political transition that upholds inclusivity and protects the rights of all citizens, including women and minority groups.
The talks also addressed long-standing issues, such as the fate of missing Americans in Syria, including journalist Austin Tice, who disappeared near Damascus in 2012. HTS expressed willingness to assist in locating Tice, signaling a potential shift in US-Syria cooperation.
Western Policy Shifts on HTS
Leaf’s visit was part of a broader reconsideration by Western countries of the terrorist designation for HTS. While sanctions remain in place, the classification does not bar US officials from engaging with HTS leadership.
Al Jazeera’s Rosiland Jordan reported that the removal of the bounty is not a direct quid pro quo but rather a strategic step to foster a more secure and stable Syria. Washington views this as an opportunity to rebuild ties and ensure the region does not fall into chaos.
Military Operations Continue
Despite this diplomatic progress, US military operations in Syria remain active. On Friday, the US military announced an airstrike in Deir ez-Zor, killing an ISIS leader identified as Abu Yusif. General Erik Kurilla, Commander of CENTCOM, reiterated the US’s commitment to preventing ISIS from regaining strength, particularly as the group still has over 8,000 operatives detained in Syria.
The Pentagon also disclosed on Thursday that the US has approximately 2,000 troops in Syria, doubling previous estimates. While their primary mission since 2014 has been to combat ISIS, their continued presence underlines the challenges of securing long-term stability in the region.
A Cautious Path Forward
The removal of the reward for Ahmed al-Sharaa signals a potential thaw in US-Syria relations and a shift in Western approaches to engaging with HTS. However, this is only the beginning of a complex and delicate diplomatic process.
As Syria transitions under its new leadership, the international community will closely watch how this unfolds and whether these early discussions can translate into lasting peace and stability.
