United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken has indicated that the U.S. is closely monitoring the actions of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the current governing body in Syria, before making any determinations regarding sanctions against the group.
HTS, which has been at the forefront of the opposition against the Assad regime, along with its leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, remains classified as a terrorist organization by the United States. Al-Jolani is still subject to a $10 million bounty issued by the U.S. government.
In a recent interview with Bloomberg, Blinken emphasized that while the U.S. is reviewing the existing sanctions, any potential changes will hinge on the tangible actions taken by HTS and Jolani, rather than mere statements.
Blinken remarked, “We are examining all available authorities and sanctions, including those imposed by the United Nations on HTS and its leadership. What we require are definitive, concrete actions, such as the establishment of an inclusive, nonsectarian government, a transition process, and ultimately, the facilitation of elections. As these measures are implemented, we will be in a position to respond, and others will also be able to do so.”
Blinken remarked that the HTS and Jolani have made “positive” statements thus far, but their actions will ultimately dictate the international community’s response to their governance.
Since seizing control earlier this month, the HTS and Jolani have positioned themselves as the legitimate political authorities in Syria. Jolani has also begun to refer to himself as Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa, reverting to his original name prior to adopting the moniker Abu Mohammed al-Jolani when he aligned with armed factions in the area. This represents the latest effort by the HTS and Jolani to rebrand themselves.
For years, the HTS and Jolani have sought to persuade the international community that they are not merely terrorists or rebels, but rather a legitimate political entity in Syria; however, this assertion has not gained traction. Despite the HTS severing ties with Al Qaeda in 2016, skepticism remains regarding their disassociation from jihadist ideologies. Until 2016, the HTS was officially affiliated with Al Qaeda, and prior to establishing the HTS amid the Syrian Civil War, Jolani was involved with the Islamic State (IS) terrorist organization.
Blinken emphasized that the United States and its regional partners advocate for an inclusive, non-sectarian government in Syria that upholds the rights of women and minorities. He further stated that the new administration must not engage with terrorist organizations.
Blinken stated, “Last week, we convened with Jordan and other countries from the region to establish expectations. What does the international community, along with neighboring countries, seek as this transition unfolds in Syria? We collectively agreed on the need for an inclusive, non-sectarian approach that respects minorities and women, addresses any remaining chemical weapons in Syria, and refrains from alliances with ISIS or any terrorist groups present.”
Blinken further emphasized that it is being communicated to HTS and other groups in Syria that the international assistance they are pursuing will come with “certain expectations.”
“The primary focus is on the current situation on the ground and their actions. Are they making efforts to establish a transition in Syria that is inclusive of all parties? If they succeed in this and fulfill other criteria that the international community expects, then we could witness a very positive development,” stated Blinken.
Despite the ongoing sanctions against HTS and Jolani, international entities, including the United States and the United Nations (UN), have begun to engage with them in their role as the new de facto authorities in Syria. Senior US officials are in Syria on Friday and are anticipated to engage in discussions with Jolani.
