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Washington is trying to navigate the chaotic consequences of the sudden collapse of the Assad regime.
The administration of US President Joe Biden called out the rebel group, which led overthrow of the regime Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, not to automatically take over the leadership of the country, but instead to launch an inclusive process of forming a transitional government. It is reported Reuters, citing two US officials and a congressman's aide who spoke about Washington's first contacts with the group.
Communication with the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, which was formerly an ally of Al-Qaeda and recognized in the United States a terrorist organization, is conducted in coordination with Washington's Middle Eastern allies, including Turkey.
The administration is also in contact with President-elect Donald Trump's team on the matter, one of the officials said.
The discussions over the past few days are part of a broader US effort to coordinate with various groups inside Syria as Washington tries to navigate the chaotic aftermath of the sudden collapse of the Assad regime.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the US had sent a message to the group to help establish a formal governing structure for Syria. Reuters sources declined to say whether the messages were sent directly or through an intermediary.
Washington believes that the transitional government of Syria must take into account the wishes of the Syrian people, and the United States will not support the transfer of power to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham without a formal process to elect new leaders, officials said.
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken on Tuesday, December 10, named the criteria for a political transition in Syria, saying that Washington will not recognize the future Syrian government unless it is credible and inclusive.
Some lawmakers on Capitol Hill are pushing for the US administration to consider lifting sanctions on Syria, including those related to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, in exchange for the group meeting certain demands from Washington, a congressional aide told Reuters.
According to him, among some members of Congress, the opinion is spreading that the United States should help the transitional government of Syria "connect" to the world economy and restore the country. Sanctions prevent this.
Washington is also in contact with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and other combatants on the ground regarding operations on the battlefield, the official said.
Senior U.S. officials have repeatedly said the U.S. intends to continue military operations in northeastern Syria against ISIS to ensure the radical extremist group does not become a threat again, given the country's current power vacuum. U.S. forces in Syria will also continue to prevent Iran-backed groups from gaining ground, one of the officials said.
