Syria’s interim President, Ahmed al-Sharaa, seeks to restore U.S. diplomatic ties while criticizing the presence of U.S. troops in Syria as unauthorized. He highlights the severe impact of sanctions and expresses optimism for lifting them under President Trump’s leadership, while also navigating the complexities of the Syrian conflict and relations with Israel.
Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has expressed intentions to restore diplomatic relations with the United States, although he stated there has been no contact with the Trump administration. Sharaa, who recently became Syria’s interim head, emphasized that U.S. troops are present in Syria without official approval, and any foreign military presence must be sanctioned by the Syrian government. He regarded the U.S. sanctions as the most significant threat facing Syria today.
In a recent interview, Sharaa asserted his belief that President Trump desires peace in the region and prioritizes lifting sanctions, stating that the U.S. should not perpetuate the suffering of the Syrian populace. Sharaa, previously the head of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, led campaigns against the Assad regime before his interim presidency.
The U.S. has historically imposed strict sanctions on Syria to pressure the government for reforms amid the country’s long civil conflict. Sanctions exemptions were briefly granted by the Biden administration for transactions with Syrian institutions, following diplomatic visits in late 2022, although the U.S. still categorizes HTS as a terrorist organization despite its 2016 split from al-Qaida.
Sharaa criticized the U.S. labeling of HTS as meaningless, citing the disbandment of armed factions fighting against Assad. The U.S. maintains a military presence in the north and northeast of Syria, primarily to support the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces against ISIS.
Sharaa argued that any foreign military presence in a sovereign state must be based on mutually agreed terms between the involved parties. He indicated that his administration is also reconsidering the status of Russian military operations in Syria, where Russia has backed Assad for years.
Addressing the possibility of normalizing ties with Israel, Sharaa acknowledged the complexity of the issue due to historical conflicts and Israel’s occupation of parts of Syria. He stated it is premature to engage in discussions about relations with Israel, highlighting the need for broader public consensus and legislative procedures.
The statement from Syria’s interim President reflects ongoing geopolitical dynamics and the aspiration for improved U.S.-Syria relations. Syria, facing years of civil war, has been under strict sanctions from the U.S. and its allies in response to the Assad regime’s human rights violations. The position of various armed groups, like HTS, and regional tensions with Israel complicate the backdrop against which these discussions occur. The historical context involves prior U.S. military actions and the current status of U.S. forces in Syria, aimed largely at combating ISIS.
Sharaa’s comments indicate a desire for renewed diplomatic ties with the United States, while also emphasizing the need for official agreements regarding foreign military presence in Syria. The potential lifting of sanctions is vital for Syria’s recovery, and regional complexities, particularly regarding Israel, necessitate a careful approach. The Syrian interim government appears focused on establishing legitimacy and negotiating a stable future through international relations.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
