US Diplomats Conduct First Official Visit to Syria Since Assad's Ousting to Discuss Governance

The first visit by US diplomats to Syria since President Bashar Assad's removal took place on Friday. They engaged with transitional officials in Damascus, aiming to promote an inclusive government and gather information about missing American journalist Austin Tice. The delegation included Barbara Leaf, Daniel Rubinstein, and Roger Carstens, who met with interim leaders and civil society members.

US Diplomatic Efforts in Syria

The State Department emphasised that the delegation's priorities included seeking details about Tice and advocating for minority rights and anti-terrorism principles. These elements are deemed crucial for US support of a new Syrian government. The diplomats' visit marks the first official American diplomatic presence in Syria since the US closed its embassy in Damascus in 2012.

Before the delegation's arrival, the US military conducted airstrikes in northeastern Syria on Thursday. These strikes targeted a leader of the Islamic State group and another militant. The operation was part of ongoing efforts to prevent IS insurgents from exploiting the current instability in Syria.

Engagement with Syrian Civil Society

The State Department stated that the diplomats would engage directly with Syrian citizens, including activists and community members, to discuss their vision for Syria's future and how the US can support them. This outreach aims to foster dialogue and understanding between the US and various Syrian voices.

Austin Tice, a journalist whose work appeared in The Washington Post and McClatchy newspapers, vanished at a checkpoint west of Damascus during the Syrian civil war. A video released weeks later showed him blindfolded and held by armed men. The Syrian government has denied holding him.

The rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which led the assault on Damascus that forced Assad to flee, is designated as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US. Despite this designation, US officials can communicate with its members or leaders. The State Department mentioned meetings with HTS officials but did not confirm if Ahmad al-Sharaa would be involved.

US officials have expressed scepticism about al-Sharaa's public commitments to minority and women's rights, despite welcoming his statements. They remain cautious about his long-term intentions regarding these issues.

Although there hasn't been a formal US diplomatic presence in Syria since 2012, American troops are stationed in small parts of Syria to combat IS militants. The Pentagon recently announced doubling US forces in Syria to counter IS threats following Assad's fall.

The visit by US diplomats will not lead to an immediate reopening of the US embassy in Damascus. The embassy remains under Czech protection, and decisions on diplomatic recognition will depend on the new Syrian authorities' actions.