U.S.-Turkey talks to address stability in Damascus and recognition of Syria’s new government
By Kardo Roj
ANKARA, Turkey (North Press) – U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to engage in talks with Turkish officials this week, with the discussions centering on fostering stability in Syria’s capital, Damascus, and exploring potential recognition of the newly declared government led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
The meetings follow a dramatic power shift in Syria earlier this month, which saw the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad and the establishment of an HTS-aligned administration in Damascus.
Key focus: Damascus stability and Kurdish dialogue
Turkish political analyst Jawad Kok told North Press that the U.S. aims to prioritize stability in Damascus during its talks with Ankara. Kok noted, “The Americans will push for direct communication between Kurdish forces and the military operations leadership aligned with HTS.”
The analyst also indicated that Washington and Ankara will discuss pathways for recognizing the legitimacy of the HTS-led government in Damascus, signaling a potential shift in international dynamics surrounding Syria’s governance.
U.S. State Department stance
A statement from the U.S. State Department on Wednesday reiterated the American commitment to “supporting a Syrian-led comprehensive transition toward a responsible and inclusive government.”
The statement emphasized the importance of collaboration with Turkey and Jordan, key regional stakeholders, in achieving a stable and representative political resolution to Syria’s ongoing crisis.
Regional perspectives
The discussions come amid heightened geopolitical complexities in Syria, as various factions vie for influence in the wake of Assad’s departure. Turkey, which has long been involved in the Syrian conflict, sees the evolving situation in Damascus as a critical component of its national security strategy.
For the U.S., the focus remains on preventing further destabilization while promoting dialogue among Syria’s diverse ethnic and political groups. The inclusion of Kurdish forces in negotiations with HTS represents a significant diplomatic challenge, given Turkey’s opposition to Kurdish autonomy efforts in northern Syria.
Recognition of HTS government: A controversial topic
The potential recognition of the HTS-led administration in Damascus remains highly contentious. HTS, which originated as an al-Qaeda affiliate, has been designated a terrorist organization by both the U.S. and Turkey. However, recent shifts in HTS’s political strategy, including attempts to distance itself from extremist ideologies, have opened the door to cautious engagement.
Analysts argue that recognition of the new government could pave the way for a broader political settlement but also risk legitimizing a controversial group with a history of militant activities.
Challenges to inclusivity
While the U.S. advocates for an inclusive political transition, questions remain about the HTS administration’s ability to represent Syria’s diverse population. Critics warn that the exclusion of key groups, including certain opposition factions and minority communities, could undermine long-term stability.
What’s next?
Blinken’s discussions in Ankara will likely set the tone for international engagement with the new Syrian government. Observers are closely watching for signals of how the U.S. plans to balance its strategic goals in Syria with the realities on the ground.