US backs former enemies as rebels topple Assad's regime
The U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, confirmed that American authorities are maintaining contact with the Syrian rebel group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which has overthrown Bashar al-Assad's government. Until recently, the group was regarded as terrorists by the Americans.
Blinken, as reported by the Associated Press, stressed that the U.S. is prepared to support the rebels in their endeavours. "Yes, we’ve been in contact with HTS and with other parties," said the U.S. Secretary of State during a press conference in Aqaba, Jordan.
Our message to the Syrian people is this: We want them [the rebels] to succeed – and we’re prepared to help them do so – he added.
Blinken is the first U.S. official to formally confirm communications between the U.S. administration and HTS, noted the agency.
The fall of al-Assad’s regime in Syria
On 8 December, Syrian rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (formerly allied with Al-Qaeda), seized Damascus and toppled Bashar al-Assad's regime.
The interim government's prime minister became Mohamed al-Bashir, who announced he would hold the position until 1 March 2025. HTS's military commander, Abu Hasan al-Hamwi, in an interview with "The Guardian", disclosed that the operation had been in the planning stages for years, and the decision to commence was taken in late November following intensive preparations.
Despite the rebellion's success, Syria’s future remains uncertain. Following the government's overthrow, HTS aims to ensure security in Syria and facilitate the country's political transformation. Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa, also known by the alias Abu Muhammad al-Jawlani, declared that HTS intends to concentrate on rebuilding Syria and eliminating remnants of the previous regime.
Their actions are viewed with scepticism due to the group’s past. The international community is hopeful for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and the restoration of stability in the region.
The fall of Assad's regime has prompted reactions among the Syrian diaspora. There is a prevailing sense of renewed hope within the global Syrian community. Many are planning to return to their homeland, viewing it as an opportunity to rebuild the country after years of conflict.
