U.S. must act to prevent rise of jihadists in post-Assad Syria – WSJ
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday that the United States must work to prevent the rise of a jihadist state in Syria after Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and allied opposition factions seized control of Damascus, effectively toppling Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
The report emphasized the importance of the U.S. engaging with HTS leader Abu Mohammad al-Julani, signaling a potential shift in U.S. policy towards the group.
In a statement, Antony Blinken, Secretary of the U.S. Department of State, pointed out they have taken note of “statements made by rebel leaders in recent days, but as they take on greater responsibility, we will assess not just their words, but their actions.”
President Joe Biden stressed that the U.S. would closely monitor the new leadership in Syria and evaluate its conduct moving forward.
The Wall Street Journal further noted that with the Assad regime’s fall, the U.S. has a vested interest in defending its allies in the region.
The report warned that Jordan, Israel, and Kurdish-controlled areas could face increased threats in the new geopolitical landscape, making proactive U.S. engagement critical.