U.S. Diplomats Visit Damascus for the First Time Since 2012, Discuss Key Issues with Syrian Stakeholders
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – A U.S. diplomatic delegation, including Assistant Secretary of State Barbara Leaf, Ambassador Roger Carstens, and Senior Advisor for Near Eastern Affairs Ambassador Daniel Rubinstein, arrived in Damascus on December 20. This marks the first visit by American diplomats to Syria’s capital since 2012, signaling a significant moment in U.S.-Syria relations.
In an exclusive statement to North Press, the U.S. Department of State said it was revealed that the visit is part of broader diplomatic efforts aimed at engaging with the Syrian people and addressing key regional and political concerns. The delegation engaged in discussions with a variety of Syrian groups, including members of civil society, activists, and community representatives, about their vision for Syria’s future and the ways the U.S. can assist in supporting them.
According to the statement, “We are here to listen to the Syrian people’s aspirations for a future that is free from oppression, and we will continue our efforts to support their pursuit of justice and accountability,” said Assistant Secretary Leaf. The delegation’s meetings with local representatives were centered on the need for a peaceful and inclusive solution for Syria, as well as addressing long-standing issues of accountability for war crimes committed by the Assad regime.
During their visit, the delegation met with representatives from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) to discuss the transition principles that the U.S. and its regional partners endorsed during the Aqaba conference in Jordan. These principles aim to provide a framework for political transition in Syria, promoting peace, accountability, and the future governance of the country.
The U.S. officials also discussed ongoing efforts to combat ISIS, emphasizing the importance of continuing the fight against the terror group. As part of their agenda, they reviewed the search for information regarding the fate of U.S. citizens, such as Austin Tice and Majd Kamalmaz, who went missing under the Assad regime. The U.S. delegation reaffirmed its commitment to working toward bringing justice to those affected by the regime’s actions.
As the statement noted, “Assistant Secretary Leaf affirmed that the U.S. would support the Syrian people’s quest for accountability and justice for the tens of thousands of Syrians killed and disappeared by the Assad regime.”
Additionally, Ambassador Daniel Rubinstein, who will continue to lead U.S. diplomatic efforts on Syria, emphasized the importance of engaging with key parties in Syria and coordinating with international partners to advance the principles outlined in Aqaba. As part of his new role, he will work to ensure that U.S. diplomatic engagement with Syria is aligned with these principles and provides support for Syria’s future political transition.
Background:
The diplomatic visit to Damascus is part of a broader shift in U.S. engagement with Syria. Since the start of the Syrian conflict in 2011, the U.S. had minimal direct contact with the Syrian government. The visit signals a potential opening for future diplomatic dialogue between the U.S. and Syria, particularly as the U.S. seeks to influence the political and humanitarian future of the country.
The U.S. has been involved in the Syrian conflict primarily through its support for local Kurdish-led forces, such as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), in the fight against ISIS. This engagement, combined with broader regional dynamics, has shaped the U.S.’s position on the Syrian conflict. However, recent developments, including ongoing instability in the region and the Assad regime’s return to power in much of the country, have led to renewed U.S. efforts to engage diplomatically with various Syrian stakeholders.
This visit is seen as an important step toward understanding the perspectives of Syrians on the ground and promoting an inclusive political transition in Syria, aligned with the principles that were endorsed at the Aqaba conference in Jordan. The principles, which focus on political transition and accountability for war crimes, are seen as a potential framework for moving forward in the complex political landscape of post-conflict Syria.