U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently revealed that the United States has been in direct contact with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. government. HTS leads the coalition controlling significant regions in Syria.
Speaking at a press conference in Aqaba, Jordan—where he attended a meeting of foreign ministers to discuss developments in Syria—Blinken outlined principles agreed upon by the U.S. and regional powers. These principles aim to guide Syria’s interim leaders in exchange for “support and recognition” of a future Syrian government.
Blinken emphasized the need for an inclusive and representative transitional government, respect for the rights of minorities and women, elimination of terrorist groups, destruction of chemical weapons stockpiles, and good relations with neighboring countries.
He also highlighted the urgency of locating Austin Tice, a U.S. journalist detained in 2012 under the Bashar al-Assad regime, calling on all parties involved to aid in bringing Tice home.
Turkish mediation between Biden and HTS
Last week, The Telegraph, a British conservative newspaper, reported that HTS assured U.S. President Joe Biden—via Turkish intermediaries—that it had no intention of collaborating with ISIS.
The New York Times (NYT) also reported discussions within the Biden administration regarding the extent of engagement with the HTS-led movement, given concerns about potential ISIS affiliations.
In a televised address, President Biden highlighted the “terrible records of terrorism and human rights abuses” associated with certain groups. Discussions reportedly included the possibility of lifting the $10 million U.S. bounty on HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani.
UK announces diplomatic contact with HTS
The UK government has also confirmed contact with HTS. Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced £50 million in humanitarian aid for Syria, acknowledging diplomatic communications with the group. Lammy clarified that while HTS remains a banned terrorist organization, the UK deemed limited engagement necessary.
He emphasized key objectives that securing chemical weapons stockpiles, preventing further violence, and establishing inclusive governance in Syria.
Lammy noted that a portion of the aid would support chemical weapons inspectors in Syria. He stated, “For all these reasons, we are trying to engage with HTS where necessary, using diplomatic and intelligence-based channels.”
Meanwhile, HTS leader al-Jolani disclosed in a Syrian TV interview that he is in talks with Britain regarding reopening its representative office in Damascus.
European responses: Berlin and Paris
The European Union has issued a joint statement advocating for a peaceful, Syrian-led transition of power.
Germany signaled cautious engagement, emphasizing that HTS will be judged based on its treatment of Syrian minorities. A foreign ministry spokesperson noted HTS’s attempts to distance itself from its jihadist origins by building civilian structures. However, German officials reiterated their commitment to prosecuting war crimes and human rights violations by Assad regime officials.
France announced plans to send a diplomatic mission to Syria, marking the first Western initiative to engage with HTS directly. French representatives aim to assess the feasibility of lifting sanctions and initiating humanitarian support.
