Previously affiliated with al-Qaeda, HTS distanced itself from the terror group in 2016. Recently, Western nations have expressed a desire to recalibrate their relations with Syria, which has endured harsh sanctions linked to the former regime. In a related development, President Trump signed an executive order in late June to rescind US sanctions against the country, framing it as a strategy to promote Syria's "path to stability and peace". The order stipulated ongoing oversight of the new government, particularly regarding its approach towards Israel and the handling of foreign and Palestinian militant groups.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani welcomed the anticipated US decision, indicating it would facilitate the country's economic revival and enhance its integration into the global community. In an intriguing demonstration of this renewed stance, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy recently became the first British minister to visit Syria in 14 years. During his meeting with al-Sharaa, he announced a support package totaling £94.5 million to aid Syria's longer-term recovery and assist Syrian refugees.
Despite the changes, deep-seated concerns linger about the functionality of the new government. Al-Sharaa, who has pledged to usher in a revived Syria, has drawn skepticism due to his connections with extremist backgrounds. So far, only one woman has been appointed to his cabinet amidst worries over the new government's operations. Reports of violence are also unsettling, with recent months seeing harrowing attacks on minority groups, including the killing of hundreds from the Alawite sect amidst security confrontations, and a suicide bombing at a church in Damascus that left 25 dead.
As Syria navigates this critical juncture, the evolving relations with the US and UK reveal both hope and apprehension for its future.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani welcomed the anticipated US decision, indicating it would facilitate the country's economic revival and enhance its integration into the global community. In an intriguing demonstration of this renewed stance, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy recently became the first British minister to visit Syria in 14 years. During his meeting with al-Sharaa, he announced a support package totaling £94.5 million to aid Syria's longer-term recovery and assist Syrian refugees.
Despite the changes, deep-seated concerns linger about the functionality of the new government. Al-Sharaa, who has pledged to usher in a revived Syria, has drawn skepticism due to his connections with extremist backgrounds. So far, only one woman has been appointed to his cabinet amidst worries over the new government's operations. Reports of violence are also unsettling, with recent months seeing harrowing attacks on minority groups, including the killing of hundreds from the Alawite sect amidst security confrontations, and a suicide bombing at a church in Damascus that left 25 dead.
As Syria navigates this critical juncture, the evolving relations with the US and UK reveal both hope and apprehension for its future.
