In brief
As Washington cautiously navigates its relations with the Syrian rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, there are concerns about the risk of a repeat of the Taliban's rise in Afghanistan. U.S. diplomats aim for inclusivity and moderation in governance.
As American diplomats work to establish a relationship with the rebel group that has recently taken control of Syria, they are acutely aware of the lessons learned from the Taliban's resurgence in Afghanistan. Last week, three diplomats from the U.S. met in Damascus with leaders of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a militia formed from an Al Qaeda affiliate, seeking to ensure that they govern with moderation and inclusivity to avert a surge in violence that could destabilize the region further and give rise to extremist groups.So far, U.S. officials are optimistic about the dialogue, noting that the group's leader, Ahmed al-Shara, has conveyed a pragmatic tone during discussions. Barbara Leaf, a senior State Department official, indicated that al-Shara made “moderate statements” concerning issues such as minority rights and women's roles, alongside affirmations that Syria would not serve as a base for terrorist operations.Despite this seemingly positive engagement, U.S. officials are cautious. They suspect al-Shara may be posturing to earn international legitimacy while secretly harboring intentions to fortify his power and implement a strict interpretation of Islamic governance. This apprehension mirrors the West's hesitance toward the Taliban's assurances prior to their return to power in Afghanistan in 2021. The stakes in Syria are high, as the U.S. aims to prevent another cycle of extremism and instability that could echo the tumultuous history seen in Afghanistan.
