US to Delist Syria's HTS from Terror Organization List

The US plans to remove Hayat Tahrir al-Sham from its foreign terrorist organizations list, signaling a new era in Syrian politics following years of government oppression.

In a notable foreign policy shift, the United States is set to declassify the Syrian Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) as a foreign terrorist organization, according to a memo from the state department. This announcement is anticipated on Tuesday and comes after HTS played a pivotal role in the rebel offensive that successfully ousted the Assad regime in December, which had governed Syria for over 54 years. The group's leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, now serves as Syria's interim president.

Previously linked to al-Qaeda, HTS—formerly known as al-Nusra Front—severed its ties with the jihadist group in 2016. Recent months have seen Western nations, including the US, attempt to reset their diplomatic interactions with Syria, a country that has endured oppressive sanctions focused on the previous regime. In a significant policy move, former President Trump signed an executive directive in June to officially terminate US sanctions aimed at Syria, describing the intent as fostering "stability and peace" in the region.

The state department further mentioned its intention to oversee the actions of the nascent Syrian government, with specific focus on efforts to normalize relations with Israel, counter foreign terrorist presences, and prohibit Palestinian militant groups. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani welcomed the US's decision, claiming it would eliminate barriers to economic recovery and reintegrate Syria within the global community.

In a show of renewed diplomatic engagement, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy visited Syria over the weekend—the first ministerial visit since the 2011 uprisings. During his meeting with al-Sharaa, Lammy announced a new £94.5 million aid package aimed at promoting long-term recovery and assisting nations accommodating Syrian refugees.

The UK has also lifted sanctions against Syria’s defense and interior ministries. The ongoing crisis in Syria, which forced 90% of its population below the poverty line due to a protracted civil war, remains a pressing issue. Al-Sharaa has vowed to lead a transformative vision for Syria; however, skepticism exists regarding the new government's functionality, particularly concerning appointments that have been largely exclusive, and the rising violence against minority populations. Recent incidents, including the brutal killing of civilians from the Alawite community, clashes involving Islamist factions, and a deadly church bombing, raise significant concerns about the overall stability and future of the country.