• A historic U.S. delegation met with HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus to discuss Syria’s transition, counterterrorism, and missing Americans.
• The U.S. leverages sanctions to pressure Syria, asserting dominance over its reconstruction while framing its demands as diplomacy.
In a groundbreaking diplomatic move, a U.S. delegation recently visited Damascus, Syria, for a face-to-face meeting with Ahmed al-Sharaa, the leader of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The visit, which comes after HTS led the successful overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, marks the first official U.S. delegation to Damascus in over a decade.
The delegation, led by Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf, included Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens and Senior Advisor Daniel Rubinstein. The talks covered a wide range of critical issues, including Syria’s political transition, counterterrorism strategies, economic recovery, and the recovery of U.S. citizens missing in Syria, such as journalist Austin Tice and Syrian American doctor Majd Kamalmaz.
During the discussions, the U.S. delegation emphasized the importance of establishing an inclusive government that respects the rights of all Syrians, including women and minority groups. Barbara Leaf stated, “We fully support a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process that results in an inclusive and representative government that respects the rights of all Syrians, including women, and Syria’s diverse ethnic and religious communities.”
The delegation also stressed the necessity of preventing terrorist groups from posing a threat within Syria or externally. Leaf noted that al-Sharaa pledged to ensure that such groups would not be allowed to operate, stating, “Ahmed al-Sharaa committed to this.”
Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens focused on the cases of missing Americans, particularly journalist Austin Tice, who was abducted in Syria in 2012. Carstens mentioned that efforts were underway with the new Syrian leadership to search locations where Tice could have been held and that they would continue to work with interim authorities to examine other sites.
The collapse of Syria’s economy has been one of the most significant challenges following over a decade of civil war. Since the onset of the Syrian revolution in 2011, the international community has imposed a series of sanctions targeting the Assad regime. These sanctions, led by the United States and the European Union, were designed to weaken Assad’s hold on power and address human rights abuses, but their impact has been far-reaching and deeply felt by ordinary Syrians.
The United States implemented the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act in 2020, a sanctions regime that severely penalized those conducting business with Assad’s government or investing in industries such as energy and infrastructure. Named after a Syrian military defector who documented atrocities committed by the regime, the Caesar Act also targeted foreign governments and entities supporting Assad, including Russia and Iran. While effective in crippling Assad’s regime, the sanctions have exacerbated Syria’s economic collapse, leading to hyperinflation, widespread unemployment, and shortages of basic goods.
Despite the rhetoric of supporting democracy and stability, the U.S.’s actions in Syria highlight a stark double standard. While Washington demands accountability and adherence to “international norms” from Damascus, it turns a blind eye to violations committed by its closest allies—most notably Israel. The United States demands that Syria, a country struggling to recover from the grips of a brutal dictatorship, adhere to international law and rebuild in alignment with American strategic interests, while simultaneously allowing and enabling its ally Israel to violate international law through the occupation of the Golan Heights and routine bombings on Syrian soil in the very same country it insists must follow those norms. The hypocrisy and irony are striking.
The United States demands that Syria meet its expectations for ‘democracy and stability’ while providing tacit support for its allies’ violations of the same principles. This dynamic becomes even more unsettling when paired with the tone of the U.S. delegation’s visit. After leaving Syria, Barbara Leaf stated during a conference call in Jordan, “We will judge by deeds, not just by words,” a remark that carried the weight of a thinly veiled threat. The demands for compliance with international norms, delivered against the backdrop of ongoing Israeli airstrikes and territorial occupation, stress the coercive undertones of U.S. engagement.
For Ahmed al-Sharaa, the stakes could not have been clearer. His participation in the meeting was less about partnership and more about survival in the face of Western coercion. These talks, cloaked in the language of diplomacy, emphasize the same power dynamics that have long destabilized the region. The U.S., wielding its economic and political influence—and weaponizing sanctions to force Syria into submission—positioned itself as the gatekeeper to Syria’s reconstruction and reintegration into the global community. The question remains whether this moment represents an opportunity for genuine progress or yet another instance of foreign interference eroding Syria’s sovereignty.
The overthrow of Assad has significantly diminished the influence of Iran and Russia in Syria. Both countries had been key backers of Assad throughout the civil war, providing military, financial, and diplomatic support to sustain his regime. With Assad gone, a power vacuum has emerged, drastically reducing their strategic foothold in Syria. Russia, which had established military bases and wielded considerable influence, now faces the loss of a key ally in the Middle East. Similarly, Iran’s regional ambitions have been dealt a blow, as it can no longer rely on Syria as a critical corridor for its influence in the Levant.
This power vacuum has created an opportunity for the United States to step in and shape Syria’s future direction. While this may appear as a chance for constructive engagement, Washington’s approach continues the very dynamics it claims to oppose. By tying economic relief and international recognition to its demands, the U.S. asserts its dominance over Syria’s future, leaving little room for Syrians to decide their own path.
As the U.S. delegation concluded its visit, the path forward remained uncertain. Leaf emphasized that the success of this new chapter in U.S.-Syria relations would depend on the actions of Syria’s leadership and their commitment to meeting international expectations. “We are here to see progress, not promises,” she remarked.
For Syria, the challenges are immense. The nation must navigate rebuilding a shattered economy, addressing widespread poverty, and rebuilding trust among its people after years of conflict. Al-Sharaa’s leadership will be critical in determining whether this moment becomes a turning point for Syria or another missed opportunity in its tumultuous history.
