Turkey’s Foreign Minister met with HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus, discussing Syria’s constitutional drafting, Kurdish future, and Israeli sovereignty issues. The Biden administration may lift an al-Qaeda-related bounty on al-Sharaa. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has revealed the U.S. troop count in Syria has increased to about 2,000.
On Sunday, Turkey’s Foreign Minister visited Damascus to engage in discussions with Ahmed al-Sharaa, the new de facto leader of Syria and the head of the Islamist group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which played a significant role in overthrowing the Assad regime. Their dialogue reportedly encompassed critical subjects, such as the necessity for Syria to formulate a new constitution, the status of the Kurdish population, and concerns regarding Israeli military actions infringing upon Syrian sovereignty. Notably, the Biden administration is contemplating the removal of a $10 million bounty placed on al-Sharaa due to his alleged affiliations with al-Qaeda. Furthermore, a U.S. delegation held talks with him in Damascus earlier in the week, while the foreign ministers from Jordan and Qatar are also present for meetings. Concurrently, it has come to light from the Pentagon that the number of U.S. troops stationed in Syria has risen to approximately 2,000, significantly exceeding the previously reported total of 900.
The ongoing geopolitical situation in Syria is characterized by complex alliances and hostilities that shape the nation’s governance and international relations. Ahmed al-Sharaa, as the head of HTS, has emerged as a pivotal figure following the destabilization of the Assad regime. The discussions regarding a new constitution reflect attempts to establish a political framework for a post-conflict Syria, while the emphasis on Kurdish rights signifies the diverse ethnic composition of the region. Additionally, the U.S. military presence and its implications underscore the strategic interests of the United States in this theater.
The recent diplomatic engagement in Damascus signifies a noteworthy shift in the dynamics surrounding Syria’s political future. The meetings between Turkey, the United States, Jordan, and Qatar with HTS leadership highlight the intricate negotiations necessary for establishing stability in the region. The consideration of lifting the bounty on al-Sharaa could indicate a change in U.S. strategy, aiming to facilitate a constructive dialogue on Syria’s governance, amidst the ongoing military presence of U.S. troops in the country.
Original Source: www.democracynow.org
