US Withdraws Bounty on Syria’s New Leader Following Damascus Talks

December 21, 2024

Background

In a significant diplomatic development, the United States has rescinded a $10 million bounty on Syria’s new de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani. This decision followed a groundbreaking meeting between U.S. diplomats and al-Sharaa in Damascus, marking the first formal engagement since the early years of Syria’s civil conflict.

Details of the Meeting

The U.S. delegation, led by Barbara Leaf, Washington’s top diplomat for the Middle East, engaged in discussions with al-Sharaa, who now leads the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Despite HTS’s designation as a terrorist organization due to its roots in Al-Qaeda’s Syria branch, the group has sought to moderate its image in recent years.

Leaf emphasized the importance of an inclusive political process in Syria, stating, “We fully support a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process that results in an inclusive and representative government which respects the rights of all Syrians, including women, and Syria’s diverse ethnic and religious communities.”

Implications

The U.S. decision to lift the bounty is seen as a strategic move to facilitate dialogue and assess HTS’s commitment to combating terrorism and promoting political inclusivity. Leaf noted, “We will be looking for progress on these principles and actions, not just words.”

This development comes amid a rapidly changing political landscape in Syria, following the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad on December 8 by HTS-led forces. The international community remains cautious, balancing the opportunity for engagement with concerns over HTS’s historical affiliations and the future governance of Syria.

Next Steps

The U.S. has indicated that future relations will depend on HTS’s actions, particularly regarding counter-terrorism efforts and the establishment of an inclusive government. The situation remains fluid, with regional and global powers closely monitoring developments in Syria’s political transition.