US Supports Syrian Transition Amid Power Vacuum

The Biden administration has pledged full support for a transparent and inclusive transition process in Syria, with the aim of establishing a nonsectarian government accountable to the Syrian people.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the new government must uphold clear commitments to respect minority rights, facilitate humanitarian assistance, and prevent terrorism. This stance aims to leverage the potential lifting of sanctions that have crippled the Syrian economy.

However, the US is already involved in Syria, with approximately 900 troops deployed and backing a Syrian Kurdish rebel group. The country’s future remains uncertain, with President-elect Donald Trump signaling a possible US withdrawal from the conflict.

Turkey and Israel have also bombed Syrian targets to protect their interests, while Iran has lost leverage following the defeat of its proxies. Russia seeks to maintain its military presence in Syria, and the newly appointed caretaker prime minister, Mohammed al-Bashir, will lead the transitional government until March 2025.

As the power vacuum deepens, stakeholders are making moves to secure their interests. The US, Turkey, Israel, and Iran are all closely impacted by events in Syria and can influence its future trajectory for better or worse.

Source: https://www.voanews.com/a/us-signals-conditional-support-for-future-government-in-syria/7898437.html