US officials meet new Syrian government in Damascus

Three weeks after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, Syria’s interim government is navigating a whirlwind of political activity, marked by a packed diplomatic agenda and internal restructuring. 

On Tuesday, the US embassy in Syria confirmed that officials had held high-level meetings with the new administration in Damascus to discuss broad political representation, continuing the fight against the Islamic State [IS] group, and curbing Iranian influence in the region.

Key priorities also included addressing the fate of missing US citizens, including journalist Austin Tice and aid worker Majd Kamalmaz and the embassy’s support for economic revival in post-Assad Syria.

But as part of Washington’s cautious support, officials urged Hayat al-Tahrir al Sham’s government to “fully represent all Syrians and ensure inclusive political process”.

Cabinet appointments

Syria’s transitional government continues to announce new cabinet appointments. Murhaf Abu Qasra, a former commander of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), was named defence minister on Tuesday. The former military chief played a pivotal role in the December offensive that culminated in the fall of Assad’s regime.

Abu Qasra, previously known as Abu Hassan al-Hamawi, vowed to dissolve HTS’ armed wing and integrate the group into the national forces. He also said that the new administration will seek to regain Kurdish-held areas in north and northwest Syria. 

In other appointments, Maysa Sabreen has been named the new interim central bank governor, a bank official told AFP on Tuesday, the first time a woman heads the financial establishment. Syrian journalist Mohammed Al-Faisal has been appointed spokesperson for the Syrian interim government.

Diplomatic outreach continues

Syria’s interim Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani continues his efforts to restore regional ties. In recent days, he has held discussions with counterparts from Yemen, Sudan, Iraq, and Morocco.

Al-Shibani and Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s de facto leader, also met Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya and Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi.

The Syrian FM called on Kuwait to reopen its embassy in Damascus, describing the move as a vital step toward restoring bilateral ties.

Similarly, Iraq has expressed its intent to reinstate its diplomatic mission in Damascus. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein voiced his support for Syria’s new leadership, emphasising the importance of regional cooperation in ensuring stability.  

As part of efforts to reset Syria’s diplomatic ties, Al-Shibani announced plans to visit Saudi Arabia following an invitation from his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan.

The trip will mark al-Shibani’s first foreign visit as Syria’s top diplomat and could pave the way for deeper engagement between Damascus and Riyadh.  

Amid the foreign engagements, key opposition figures have accused the transitional administration of being excluded from the political dialogue. Hadi al-Bahra, former head of the Syrian National Coalition, confirmed that his group has yet to receive an invitation to participate in the government’s proposed national dialogue.

Speaking to Al Arabiya TV, Bahra criticised the interim administration for its lack of communication, raising concerns about its commitment to inclusivity.