The United States has announced it will no longer offer a $10 million reward for the capture of Ahmed al-Sharaa, the new leader of Syria and head of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, following recent high-level talks in Damascus. This decision, revealed by US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf, marks a notable shift in US policy towards Syria.

The talks, held after the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad earlier this month, represent the first official visit by US diplomats to Syria in years. Barbara Leaf shared that discussions with al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Julani, and other transitional administration officials provided "positive assurances" about counterterrorism measures.

Diplomatic Breakthrough

According to Leaf, HTS pledged to prevent any terrorist threats emanating from Syria, leading the US to withdraw the long-standing reward offer under the Rewards for Justice program. "This decision is not an exchange but an effort to foster a productive dialogue aimed at ensuring a safer and more secure Syria," Leaf explained.

The US continues to classify HTS as a terrorist organization due to its historical ties with al-Qaeda. However, Leaf emphasized the need for an inclusive political process in Syria's transitional period, advocating for a government that respects the rights of all citizens, including women and minority groups.

Cooperation on Missing Americans

The issue of missing Americans, particularly journalist Austin Tice, who vanished near Damascus in 2012, was a key focus during the talks. HTS reportedly expressed a willingness to assist in locating Tice, signaling potential cooperation on humanitarian concerns.

Military Operations Persist

Amid these diplomatic developments, the US military remains active in Syria, targeting remnants of ISIL (ISIS). In a recent airstrike in Deir ez-Zor, US forces killed an ISIL leader known as Abu Yusif, reinforcing their commitment to counterterrorism operations.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) commander Erik Kurilla reaffirmed that the US and its allies will not allow ISIS to exploit Syria's transitional phase. With approximately 2,000 American troops still stationed in the region, the Pentagon has no immediate plans for withdrawal, citing the ongoing threat posed by ISIS.

Balancing Military and Diplomatic Efforts

The US strategy reflects a dual approach of maintaining robust military operations while engaging in diplomacy to support Syria's political transition. Leaf's visit underscores the potential for renewed cooperation between the US and Syria, balancing counterterrorism goals with the pursuit of regional stability.