U.S. Faces Key Decision: Engage With Syria's New HTS-Led Government

In a dramatic turn of events, Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has ended over twenty years of authoritarian rule in Syria by overthrowing the Assad regime in December 2024. This significant development offers the United States a unique opportunity to re-establish its influence in Syria and the broader Middle East. Engaging with Syria's new administration and revisiting HTS's terrorist designation are crucial steps for the U.S. to consider, potentially preventing ISIS's resurgence and limiting Russian influence, while promoting regional stability.

Under the leadership of Ahmad al-Sharaa, HTS governs significant areas of Syria, having established a provisional government, engaged with international diplomats, and initiated a national policing force. Although once linked to al-Qaeda, Sharaa asserts that HTS has moved away from extremist ideologies and is focused on forming an inclusive government. The U.S. is urged to engage diplomatically with HTS's administration—not as an endorsement, but as an opportunity to exert influence on Syria's future.

The challenge for the United States lies in HTS's 2016 status as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). This designation, based on its prior extremist actions, complicates U.S. cooperation with Syria's new government. However, discussions are already underway in the UK and UN about whether the current realities justify removing HTS from terrorist lists. The U.S. might need to reassess its stance to reflect the group's evolution.

HTS's governance shift is evident in its efforts to maintain order and reduce violence. Repealing the terrorist designation would facilitate direct U.S. diplomacy, allowing American NGOs and businesses to engage with Syrian entities legally. This could lead to targeted aid, infrastructure developments, and institutional support, aligning with U.S. regional interests.

Furthermore, the U.S. engaging with Syria's new government would counterbalance Russian influence. Russia's support of Assad has long been a power play in the region. With Assad's regime toppled, the U.S. has the opportunity to fill the geopolitical void, reducing Russia’s leverage and enhancing regional stability.

Engagement with HTS could also be pivotal in suppressing ISIS and similar extremist groups. Despite its origins in radicalism, HTS has distanced itself from al-Qaeda. By establishing relations with HTS, the U.S. can bolster counterterrorism efforts, preventing ISIS from regaining ground. Revising HTS's designation is not about ignoring its past but recognizing its current political stance and focusing on future security.

As the UK and UN contemplate similar strategies, the U.S. could lead by example, using this policy shift to further its strategic objectives in the Middle East. Such a decision would not erase HTS's historical actions but would enable the U.S. to insist on accountability and progress in human rights and political inclusivity from Syria’s new rulers.

While sanctions on the former Assad regime will persist, reminding HTS of the necessity for reform, the removal of the terrorist classification offers leverage to encourage democratic progressions. HTS’s success in rebuilding Syria hinges on avoiding past errors of authoritarian rule seen in Idlib and during Assad’s tenure.

As HTS steps into its governing role, the U.S. faces a pivotal choice. It can either hold onto outdated definitions that may lead Syria into further turmoil or engage with the current dynamics, adjust its policies, and influence a post-Assad Syria. The implications are significant: combatting extremism, stabilizing the region, and promoting democracy in one of the world's most vulnerable areas. The U.S. should not miss this strategic chance.