The move by the US government to delist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a prominent Syrian Islamist group, marks a significant shift in the approach towards Syria following the leadership change in the war-torn nation. Previously affiliated with al-Qaeda, HTS's recent actions and changes in leadership are driving a recalibration of international relations with Syria.
US to Delist HTS from Terror Organization List as Relations with Syria Shift
US to Delist HTS from Terror Organization List as Relations with Syria Shift
The US is expected to remove the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham from its foreign terrorist organization list amid changing dynamics in Syria's political landscape.
On Tuesday, the US will formally announce that HTS has been removed from its list of foreign terrorist organizations, as outlined in a memo from the State Department. The group played a crucial role in a rebel offensive last December that led to the ousting of the Assad regime, which had ruled for 54 years. Ahmed al-Sharaa, the current leader of HTS, has since taken on the role of interim president of Syria.
Under al-Sharaa’s leadership, HTS has distanced itself from al-Qaeda, officially severing ties in 2016. This occurred against a backdrop of attempts by Western nations to improve relations with Syria, previously hampered by stringent sanctions. In June, an executive order signed by President Trump aimed at lifting these sanctions was intended to foster the country’s stability and peace.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani welcomed the US decision, stating that it would facilitate economic recovery and reintegrate Syria into the global community. Correspondingly, the US will keep a close eye on the new government's actions regarding its relations with Israel and measures against foreign terrorist groups.
The UK has also taken steps to mend relations, with Foreign Secretary David Lammy becoming the first British minister in 14 years to visit Syria. He met with al-Sharaa, announcing a support package of £94.5 million aimed at helping with long-term recovery and support for Syrian refugees. This follows the UK's own recent lifting of sanctions on Syria’s defense and interior ministries.
Despite optimistic overtures from al-Sharaa, concerns exist regarding the operational methods of the newly formed government, particularly due to its past and limited diversity, evidenced by the appointment of only one female minister. Additionally, the country has seen a rise in violence against minority groups, with tragic incidents reported over recent months.
As Syria navigates this fragile transition, the actions of its new leadership and international partners will be pivotal in shaping the future of the nation.
Under al-Sharaa’s leadership, HTS has distanced itself from al-Qaeda, officially severing ties in 2016. This occurred against a backdrop of attempts by Western nations to improve relations with Syria, previously hampered by stringent sanctions. In June, an executive order signed by President Trump aimed at lifting these sanctions was intended to foster the country’s stability and peace.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani welcomed the US decision, stating that it would facilitate economic recovery and reintegrate Syria into the global community. Correspondingly, the US will keep a close eye on the new government's actions regarding its relations with Israel and measures against foreign terrorist groups.
The UK has also taken steps to mend relations, with Foreign Secretary David Lammy becoming the first British minister in 14 years to visit Syria. He met with al-Sharaa, announcing a support package of £94.5 million aimed at helping with long-term recovery and support for Syrian refugees. This follows the UK's own recent lifting of sanctions on Syria’s defense and interior ministries.
Despite optimistic overtures from al-Sharaa, concerns exist regarding the operational methods of the newly formed government, particularly due to its past and limited diversity, evidenced by the appointment of only one female minister. Additionally, the country has seen a rise in violence against minority groups, with tragic incidents reported over recent months.
As Syria navigates this fragile transition, the actions of its new leadership and international partners will be pivotal in shaping the future of the nation.
