In a quick-moving turn of events just after Bashar al-Assad escaped to Russia the US government started reaching-out to Syrian opposition groups. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller pointed out that Washington has various ways to talk with different groups (including some that US lists as terrorist organizations)
We have the ability to communicate one way or the other directly or indirectly with all the relevant parties
Secretary Antony Blinken had several phone-calls with regional leaders; twice chatting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in past few days. Turkey keeps troops in north-west Syria and helps some rebel groups but marks HTS as terrorists
The fall of Assadʼs government on Dec 9th ended his familys half-century rule — a big change that pushed out Iran and Russias influence in Middle East. President Joe Biden sees this as a historic chance for Syrian people but notes some risks ahead
The main rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) led by Ahmed al-Sharaa runs a quasi-state around Idlib area. Over last 10 years this ex-Al Qaeda linked group tried to show more moderate views. A high-ranking US official says HTS is “saying right things“ but its too early to judge whats next
US hostage expert Roger Carstens works in Beirut trying to find American journalist Austin Tice who disappeared in Syria about 12 years ago