Hassan Ibrahim | Hani Karazi | Omar Alaa Eldin
The American conditions required to be met by the new Syrian administration are no longer confined to diplomatic channels; the official and leaked ones revolve around four demands, described by political analysts as “fair.” These include the destruction of any remaining chemical weapon stockpiles, cooperation in combating terrorism, the removal of foreign fighters from high-ranking government positions, and appointing a liaison officer to assist US efforts to locate missing American journalist Austin Tice in Syria.
In exchange, Washington may ease some sanctions imposed on Syria, paving the way for an opening of relations between Washington and Damascus, and laying the groundwork for closing a dark and complicated chapter that began when the United States first imposed sanctions on Syria in December 1979, when it placed it on the list of state sponsors of terrorism.
On the contrary, signs of commitment to some conditions by the new Syrian government, headed by Ahmed al-Sharaa, emerged following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime on December 8, 2024, showing flexibility and readiness to work toward some other conditions. However, challenges remain regarding the issue of foreign fighters and intensifying efforts to search for journalist Tice, amid caution in exchanging steps with Washington, which remains hesitant and reserved in dealing with Damascus.
The situation is not that simple, according to diplomats, politicians, and experts, as the Syrian scene is complex and intertwined, especially with the presence of regional and international forces whose interests intersect and conflict in the country, particularly with Israel, which has a close relationship with the United States and whose forces have penetrated southern Syria, creating the outline of a confrontation with Turkey on Syrian territory.
In this report, Enab Baladi highlights the American stance towards a post-Assad Syria, the conditions and demands it has set, and discusses with diplomats and experts the feasibility of their implementation, the extent to which they establish a path of openness between the two parties, the influence of Israel on this position and the future of the relationship with it, as well as the future of the relationship between Damascus and Washington.
Slow American steps towards DamascusAmerican steps towards Syria have appeared slow; in terms of timing, the fall of the Assad regime coincided with Donald Trump’s assumption of power in Washington, as he showed little interest in what was happening in Syria. In his first comment a day before Assad’s escape, he stated that the United States should not intervene in the Syrian conflict, adding, “It seems that the Syrian opposition is moving significantly to overthrow Assad.”
Trump noted that Syria was in chaos, “but it is not our friend, and the United States should have no relationship with it. This is not our battle… let it continue… do not intervene!”
Hours after announcing Assad’s escape from Syria, the United States affirmed its full support for a politically-led Syrian transition and published several conditions that the new Syrian government must adhere to, which include:
A credible, inclusive, and non-sectarian government that meets international standards of transparency and accountability, aligned with the principles of Resolution “2254,” fully respecting the rights of minorities. Facilitating the flow of humanitarian aid to all in need. Preventing Syria from being used as a “base for terrorism or creating a threat to its neighbors.” Ensuring the secure storage and destruction of any chemical or biological weapons.On December 20, 2024, the first official talks were held between the United States and Ahmed al-Sharaa, marking the first visit of American diplomats to Damascus since 2012. Shortly after the meeting, the US stopped offering a $10 million reward for information regarding Ahmed al-Sharaa.
On January 6 of the following year, the US Treasury Department issued License No. “24,” which includes exemptions aimed at facilitating humanitarian aid to Syria and ensuring that sanctions do not impede essential services, including the provision of electricity, energy, water, and sanitation, for six months, while monitoring the situation on Syrian territory.
On January 15, the United States took additional measures to ease sanctions regarding Executive Order “No. 13894” issued on October 14, 2019, concerning “the prohibition of properties and the suspension of entry for individuals contributing to the situation in Syria.”
US President Donald Trump – March 28, 2025 (Francis Chung/UPI)
Key steps after Assad’s fall
Syrian factions extended their control over Damascus after taking control of other cities, ending 53 years of rule by the Assad family. The Syrian administration announced Ahmed al-Sharaa as the interim president, canceled the constitution, and dissolved armed factions, security agencies, the People’s Assembly, and the Baath Party. A fact-finding committee and a committee to promote civil peace were formed after violent confrontations in the Syrian coast. An agreement was signed between Ahmed al-Sharaa and the leader of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Mazloum Abdi, to integrate SDF into Syrian state institutions, ensuring the rights of all Syrians in representation and participation in the political process. A constitutional declaration was signed defining the transitional period in the country to last five years. A new government was formed to replace the caretaker government, consisting of 23 ministers.Washington considered the formation of the new Syrian government as a “positive” and inclusive step towards a comprehensive and representative Syria, emphasizing that sanctions would not be eased before achieving progress in a set of priorities, which are the same conditions outlined above, plus preventing Iran and its proxies from exploiting Syrian territory, and ensuring the security and freedoms of religious and ethnic minorities in Syria.
Controversy over visas for members of the Syrian mission
In April, US authorities downgraded the visas of members of the Syrian mission from “G-1,” which is designated for diplomats accredited to the United Nations, to “G-3,” which is granted to foreign nationals representing a government at the UN that the US does not recognize. This decision has opened the door to a debate regarding its purpose and its connection to the US stance on Syria, or whether it carries political messages.
A spokesperson for the US State Department stated that the United States provided guidance to the Syrian mission at the UN regarding the adjustment of the visa status for its members in New York. The official added that the move was made through an administrative decision based on current US recognition policy, underscoring that the US currently does not recognize any entity as the government of Syria.
The spokesman clarified that there had been no change to the privileges or immunities of accredited members of the Syrian permanent mission to the UN.
A responsible source in the Syrian Foreign Ministry explained that this action is purely technical and administrative, relating to the previous mission, and does not reflect any change in position regarding the new Syrian government. The source further stated that the Foreign Ministry is in continuous communication with the relevant parties to address this matter and clarify its full context to ensure that there is no misunderstanding regarding related political or legal positions.
In this context, UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric affirmed that the status of Syria within the UN has not changed due to the decision to alter the visas of members of the Syrian mission, noting that Syria remains a member of the organization.
Dujarric mentioned that the issue of membership is governed by the provisions of the UN Charter, emphasizing that the host state’s decision to change the visas of mission members does not affect Syria’s status in the organization, nor does it impact the participation of permanent mission members in UN activities.
Syrian politician residing in Washington, Mohammed Alaa Ghanem, told Enab Baladi that the US government has not recognized the new Syrian administration since the fall of the Assad regime on December 8, 2024. He added that the reduction in visas was in line with the regulations governing their issuance.
Ghanem believes that this is not a “punishment” for anything and is not related to any recent political event, pointing to attempts to exploit the situation but noting that official clarifications are present from the US, Syrian Foreign Ministry, and the UN.
Ghanem does not rule out the possibility of political messages stemming from this move but confirms that what has occurred is an administrative action derived from a political stance that is not new.
Syrian-American media personality and politician Ayman Abdel Nour told Enab Baladi that the lack of US recognition of the current Syrian government is due to a legal rather than a political basis, as the law states that this government is an extension of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which is designated as “terrorist.” Therefore, it is not possible to recognize any entity associated with it.
Syrian Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra with leaders and soldiers of one of the military divisions – March 31, 2025 (Ministry of Defense)
Conditions are harsh but not unreasonableThe messages received by the new Syrian administration regarding these conditions have varied, starting with statements from US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch, through what was reported by Reuters about US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Natasha Franceschi handing a list of conditions for easing sanctions to Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani during the Brussels conference, culminating in remarks made by US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce on April 1.
Regarding the condition to destroy chemical weapons stockpiles, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani said on March 5 that his country is committed to cooperating with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to destroy remnants of the Assad regime’s chemical weapons program.
Al-Shibani emphasized that Syria’s commitments at this historical stage are to destroy remnants of the chemical weapons program developed during the Assad regime and to put an end to this painful legacy, achieve justice for the victims, and ensure strong compliance with international law. In March, Syria participated for the first time in its history in the executive council meeting of the OPCW in The Hague.
Regarding the condition to combat “terrorism,” there is historic hostility and conflict between the Islamic State group and factions, most notably Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. US officials revealed that the US shared intelligence with the new Syrian administration, which led to the thwarting of a plot by the Islamic State to blow up the shrine of Sayyida Zainab.
On March 9, Syria, Jordan, Iraq, Turkey, and Lebanon agreed to condemn terrorism in all its forms and cooperate in combating it militarily, security-wise, and intellectually, launching a joint operations center for coordination and cooperation in combating the Islamic State and supporting existing regional and international efforts to eliminate the group and address the dangers it poses to the security of Syria, the region, and the world.
Researcher and head of the information unit at the Jusoor For Studies Center, Wael Alwan, believes that the American conditions at this time, when Syria needs to lift sanctions more rapidly, are harsh but not unreasonable, asserting that what the US is requesting is part of the goals of the Syrian people and what the Syrian government seeks to achieve.
The current American policy toward Syria is characterized by caution and experimentation, according to former Syrian diplomat Bashar al-Haj Ali, who noted that the US has not yet fully recognized the new Syrian government despite changes on the ground.
The current American policy towards Syria is characterized by caution and experimentation, as it has not yet fully recognized the new Syrian government, despite changes on the ground.
Bashar al-Haj Ali, Former Syrian diplomat
Al-Haj Ali told Enab Baladi that the past months have seen Syrian movements on sensitive issues such as chemical weapons, reducing Iranian influence, and engaging in counter-terrorism efforts. However, the US, while cautiously welcoming some of these steps, has linked political openness to the serious handling of the cases of missing American journalist Austin Tice and foreign fighters.
The Syrian diplomat believes that these two issues may not appear to carry the same strategic weight as major regional files, but they hold high political and moral symbolism in American official and public awareness. Austin Tice, a former Marine who has been missing since 2012, has become a symbol of a long battle Washington is fighting for its missing citizens, and his case is linked to internal considerations that cannot be overlooked in any negotiations.
Foreign fighters: A manageable issue
The issue of foreign fighters remains a contentious topic in Syria. Ahmed al-Sharaa stated that granting citizenship to foreign fighters is not impossible, and that they can be integrated into Syrian society if they share the same ideology and values as Syrians. Some have been awarded military ranks, with at least six military positions in the Syrian Ministry of Defense going to foreigners out of a total of 50 announced.
Diplomat Bashar al-Haj Ali believes that the issue of foreign fighters is deeply rooted in the American security memory, which continues to deal cautiously with any sign of the re-emergence of jihadist transit phenomena across the Syrian borders.
The researcher anticipated a significant likelihood that the new Syrian administration would respond to this issue, especially with increasing international pressures, emphasizing that handling the foreign fighters’ issue within an informational partnership reflects Damascus’s commitment to combating cross-border threats, particularly in areas still experiencing activity from non-Syrian extremist elements.
Researcher Wael Alwan distinguished between the “text” and the “spirit of the text,” pointing out that the former refers to “foreign fighters,” while the latter refers to “foreign jihadists.” He noted that the new government, based on its previous experience in Idlib, has sufficient expertise to manage the issue of foreign jihadists, making them a part of stability rather than a part of risks and challenges.
Alwan categorized foreign fighters into two groups: the first group consists of jihadists who join jihadist and extremist organizations, posing a concern, as they may be repatriated to their countries or relocated elsewhere, or efforts may be made to regulate their behavior.
The second group includes individuals outside the equation of jihadist organizations and radical thought, who are not a problem, as all countries rely on elites and foreigners of a diverse range of nationalities, according to Alwan.
What about Austin Tice?
Regarding the case of missing American journalist Austin Tice, Ahmed al-Sharaa met with the journalist’s mother on January 19, stating that “the new Syrian administration understands what we are going through and is working to correct matters for people like us.”
The Syrian government has the capability and opportunity to search for confirmed information about the American journalist and others through investigations with remnants of the regime and tracking information that could lead to significant security cooperation between the Syrian and American governments.
Wael Alwan, Researcher and head of information unit at Jusoor For Studies Center
Wael Alwan, a researcher and head of the information unit at the Jusoor For Studies Center, views Tice’s case as an opportunity for the government rather than a challenge, asserting that the government has the capacity and chances for obtaining verified information about the American journalist and others through investigations with regime remnants, which could lead to substantial security cooperation between the Syrian and American governments.
Diplomat Bashar al-Haj Ali proposed that the Syrian administration conduct an independent and transparent investigation involving a third international party regarding Austin Tice’s fate, which would result in presenting an accurate account, whether it is proven that he is alive or not, while fully respecting legal and humanitarian standards.
Al-Haj Ali emphasized the need for an official announcement stating that Damascus currently does not hold any American citizens, coupled with opening a security communication channel, either directly or indirectly through an intermediary, to confirm the seriousness of dealing with Washington based on mutual interests.
Ahmed al-Sharaa during his meeting with the mother of Austin Tice and Nizar Zakka, head of the Hostage Aid Worldwide organization – January 19, 2025 (SANA)
Israel as an influential factor… American green light for escalationIsrael has emerged as an influential party in the relationship between the United States and Syria, especially with its extensive campaign of airstrikes against Syrian military sites and their destruction since the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. It has intervened in southern Syria, and tension has grown between Turkey and Israel amid discussions of a potential Turkish deployment in military bases inside Syria.
Israel continues to issue hostile statements against the new authorities in Syria and exerts pressure on the United States to keep Syria “weak and decentralized.” Israeli officials have informed Washington that the “new Islamist rulers” in Syria, supported by Ankara, pose a threat to Israel’s borders, according to information from Reuters.
Strategic expert and non-resident researcher at the Stimson Center in Washington, Amer al-Sabaileh, stated in an interview with Enab Baladi that there is no doubt that Israel has received a green light from the United States to escalate in Syria since Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the White House and his receipt of American weapons. Al-Sabaileh noted that the United States is the one taking the initiative to threaten Iran, having begun targeting its tools represented by the Houthis in Yemen while striking any threats against its ally, Israel.
Political expert specializing in Middle Eastern affairs, Eva Koulouriotis, told Enab Baladi that Israel’s movements in Syria are subject to American-Israeli consensus regarding Syria.
Koulouriotis added that despite American support for Israel in Syria concerning “protecting its security,” American policy remains separate from Israeli policy in Syria. This is evident in Washington’s support for the agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the new Syrian administration, an arrangement that Israel did not wish for.
Despite American support for Israel in Syria concerning its security, American policy in Syria remains distinct from Israeli policy. This distinction is reflected in Washington’s support for the agreement between the SDF and the new Syrian administration, a situation that Israel did not favor.
Eva Koulouriotis, Political expert specializing in Middle Eastern affairs.
For his part, Syrian-American journalist and politician Ayman Abdel Nour stated in an interview with Enab Baladi that Syria does not have significant weight in the priorities of the US administration, hence Washington will not work to curb the ambitions of any neighboring countries, whether Israel, Turkey, or Arab states, as long as it does not affect American national security.
In this context, Syrian political activist in the United States, Mohammed Alaa Ghanem, remarked in an interview with Enab Baladi that it does not seem there is any genuine American movement to curb the growing Israeli influence in Syria; on the contrary, Sebastian Gorka, head of the White House’s counterterrorism department, recently expressed gratitude to Israel for its role in ending Iranian influence in Syria.
Is America pushing for peace between Damascus and Tel Aviv?
On February 25, the US envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, mentioned that Syria could join the normalization train with Israel in the near future, believing in the possibility of Syria and Lebanon joining the Abraham Accords for peace and normalization with Israel.
The Abraham Accords are a series of normalization agreements between Israel and Arab countries mediated by Trump during his first term, which have resulted in the normalization of relations between the UAE, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco with Israel, under US sponsorship.
On January 16, the US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, Barbara Leaf, stated that a peace agreement between Israel and Syria is expected to be reached in the coming years.
The new administration in Syria has not expressed its position on normalization with Israel but affirmed its desire not to represent a threat to neighboring countries. Al-Sharaa stated that he does not intend to engage in armed conflict with Israel, considering it not the battle he will fight.
Mohammed Alaa Ghanem believes that Syria is not significant to Washington, but since Donald Trump is the architect of the Abraham Accords, if US power circles nominate Syria as a new target for joining the normalization train with Israel, that would require Trump’s attention to the Syrian issue.
Given that President Trump is the architect of the Abraham Accords, if American power circles nominate Syria as a new target for joining the normalization train with Israel, this would necessitate Trump’s attention regarding the Syrian issue.
Mohammed Alaa Ghanem, Syrian political activist residing in the US
Ghanem added that the American envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, spoke positively about President Ahmed al-Sharaa, suggesting that his personality and ideas may have changed from the past. At the same time, Witkoff nominated Syria and Lebanon as potential countries that could join or negotiate peace agreements with Israel, but this does not mean Trump is seriously concerned about achieving peace at the moment; he might press for it later.
Ayman Abdel Nour stated that the United States is laying out a plan through its envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, and his deputy, Morgan Ortagus, to complete the normalization process between Damascus and Tel Aviv, as Washington believes that signing such an agreement would significantly increase the number of Arab countries that would join the Abraham Accords.
The signing of a peace agreement between Israel and the current Syrian government, which represents conservative Sunni Muslims, makes the agreement stronger than if it were signed with the previous regime, which was Alawite and minority-dominated. However, Israel does not wish to sign with the current government, as it believes that the legitimacy of the current administration does not represent the Syrian people.
Ayman Abdel Nour, Syrian journalist and political activist residing in the US
Abdel Nour added that signing a peace agreement with the current Syrian government, which expresses conservative Sunni Muslims, would make the agreement stronger than if it were signed with the previous regime, which was Alawite and minority-dominated; however, Israel does not want to sign with the current government because it believes that al-Sharaa’s government does not represent the Syrians.
Efforts to resolve Turkish-Israeli tensions in Syria
After signs of escalating Israeli-Turkish tensions in Syria, matters are heading toward a “resolution” and agreement following statements from both sides and a commitment from US President Donald Trump to resolve tensions between them in Syria during his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House.
Ayman Abdel Nour believes that President Trump invented a model based on the principle of discussing specific points that create a stir, in order to raise innovative proposals that open new horizons for action. Thus, not everything Trump says is something he fully believes in or will implement, but rather statements made to stir stagnant waters in hopes of presenting new solutions, as he did when talking about resolving Turkish-Israeli tensions.
Abdel Nour added that Trump has an interest in easing Turkish-Israeli animosity and could contribute to resolving the dispute through meetings with officials from Ankara and Tel Aviv to bring their perspectives closer, but he will not exert significant effort in this regard.
Mohammed Alaa Ghanem told Enab Baladi that President Trump has a very good relationship with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, a point confirmed by his special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, who stated that Trump and Erdoğan had a “great” conversation and that “positive things are coming.” Therefore, President Trump offered to mediate between Israel and Turkey in Syria to prevent collision and solve their disputes.
The US Deputy Envoy to the Middle East, Morgan Ortagus, stated that the United States has “taken some slow steps and is patiently assessing the situation in formulating its policy towards Syria.”
Ortagus clarified that the US has “been clear about its expectations from Ahmed al-Sharaa’s administration,” adding that “the United States has a clear interest in ensuring that Iran does not return to Syria, and in ensuring that the Islamic State cannot reshape itself and pose a threat to the United States or Europe or any other party in the Middle East.”
The American official remarked, “We have an interest there; we have two dear allies, our NATO ally Turkey and our other ally, Israel, and of course, we have our close partnership with Saudi Arabia. All these countries, including Lebanon, have a significant interest in seeing a resolution in Syria.”
Erdoğan and Netanyahu during their meeting on the sidelines of the 78th UN General Assembly in New York – September 2023 (Anadolu Agency)
Will the American position on Syria change?Ayman Abdel Nour believes that the only way for American recognition of the current government in the future would be if this body is independent, strong, and a partner in power, not linked to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. In that case, the US would recognize it; thus, there must be a change in evaluation and legal status before the political assessment changes from Washington.
Abdel Nour added that if there is a broader national dialogue resulting in greater powers for ministers or selecting ministers who are not on the “terrorist” or US sanctions list or who have had negative past practices, this would change the legal nature of the new government. Consequently, the reality and political decision would be recognized by the US
According to Samir al-Abdullah, director of the Department of Analytical Studies at the Harmoon Center for Contemporary Studies, Washington is monitoring the behavior of the new Syrian administration and aims, through its policy towards Damascus, to ensure that Syria does not become a threat to Israel, address the SDF issue through peaceful and negotiated solutions, and ensure the protection of minorities.
If the Syrian administration fulfills these conditions, the US is likely to gradually ease sanctions and open new channels of communication, leading to the remaking of relations between the two parties, but this remains contingent on the Syrian administration’s ability to shift from the mentality of jihadist groups to that of state governance.
Researcher Wael Alwan believes that there could be US-Syrian cooperation, initially framed in security terms that may later expand into other frameworks. Meanwhile, sanctions and the political relationship would remain a leverage tool for the US administration for a considerable period to ensure the complete response from the new Syrian government.
Former diplomat Bashar al-Haj Ali stated that if the new Syrian administration wishes to genuinely turn its approach into a path of real dialogue, it must deal with the files of “foreign fighters and Austin Tice” as a crucial test of good intentions, not as a burden to be deferred or maneuvered around.
Al-Haj Ali said that disclosing goodwill regarding the conditions, especially in these two files, is no longer a political option but a necessary condition for any future discussions with Washington. Perhaps decision-makers in Damascus will find, at this precise moment, a rare opportunity to convert a thorny issue into an advantage and a springboard for solidifying a new position on the international map.
The future of the relationship remains complicated and hinges on a long process of responsiveness and flexibility; the United States has been and remains an important and influential player in Syria, especially over the past 14 years, during which it has contributed to changing control dynamics, whether by supporting factions with weapons and later abandoning them, maintaining military presence, aligning its interests with other forces, granting the green light for operations and strikes against other parties, or wielding the sanctions stick.
US President Donald Trump during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the White House – April 7, 2025 (AP)
Washington – Damascus… Possible opening of relations Enab Baladi.
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