Turkey’s Foreign Minister met with HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus to discuss Syria’s constitutional reform, Kurdish rights, and sovereignty issues, coinciding with a potential U.S. policy shift on al-Sharaa’s bounty. U.S. troop numbers in Syria are reportedly at 2,000, up from 900.
On Sunday, Turkey’s Foreign Minister visited Damascus to engage in discussions with Ahmed al-Sharaa, the leader of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), who now represents Syria’s de facto governing body following the overthrow of the Assad regime. Topics of conversation included the urgent need for a new Syrian constitution, the status of Kurdish people, and ongoing threats to Syrian sovereignty from Israeli military operations. Notably, the Biden administration is reportedly considering rescinding the $10 million bounty previously placed on al-Sharaa due to his alleged connections to al-Qaeda. This interaction took place as a U.S. delegation met with al-Sharaa recently in the Syrian capital, highlighting a shift in diplomatic engagement. Additionally, the foreign ministers of Jordan and Qatar arrived in Syria for discussions, further indicating a trend towards regional diplomatic initiatives. Furthermore, the Pentagon has acknowledged a substantial increase in U.S. troop presence in Syria, now reported to be around 2,000
—more than double the previously stated figure of 900.
The ongoing conflict in Syria has drastically altered the political landscape in the Middle East. Following years of civil war, which resulted in the displacement of millions and a humanitarian crisis, various factions have emerged, leading to a complex web of alliances and power structures. Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist group that has gained prominence in the northwest, has effectively replaced the Assad regime in this region. The shift toward engaging HTS leadership reflects broader geopolitical changes and the necessity of addressing urgent issues, such as the rights of the Kurdish population and foreign military interventions.
In summary, the diplomatic meeting between Turkey’s Foreign Minister and HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa illustrates a significant shift in Syria’s political dynamics and international relations. The discussions highlighted critical topics such as constitutional reform and the future of various ethnic groups, amidst changing U.S. policy regarding alleged terrorist affiliations. The increase in U.S. troop deployment further complicates the situation, indicating a sustained American interest in the region’s stability and governance.
Original Source: www.democracynow.org
