US diplomats have made their way to Damascus for a historic engagement with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), marking the first American diplomatic mission to the Syrian capital in more than a decade. This bold move comes in the wake of dramatic changes in Syria’s political landscape, notably the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime just over a week ago. The delegation’s presence reflects a renewed sense of urgency among Western powers to influence Syria’s governance amid rapid shifts in power dynamics. The delegation includes Assistant Secretary of State Barbara Leaf, hostage envoy Roger Carstens, and senior adviser Daniel Rubinstein. Tasked with a multifaceted mission, they aim to engage with a wide array of Syrian voices, including civil society members, activists, and representatives of different communities. Their goal is to gauge aspirations for Syria’s future and identify ways in which the United States can lend its support. According to a State Department spokesperson, th...
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