Secretary of State Antony Blinken engaged in talks with leaders from Jordan, Turkey, and Iraq to address the escalating sectarian conflicts and terrorism threats in Syria. Blinken’s surprise visit to Baghdad on Dec. 13 aimed to promote regional stability in the aftermath of Bashar al-Assad’s recent downfall in Syria. During his visit, Blinken met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to discuss the transition in Syria post-Assad and the importance of safeguarding ethnic and religious minorities while establishing an inclusive, non-sectarian government. The leaders also emphasized the need to prevent Syria from becoming a breeding ground for terrorism.
Assad’s ousting was triggered by an unexpected insurgent offensive led by Hayʼat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a Sunni Islamist faction with ties to al-Qaeda. Following Assad’s departure, HTS declared a transitional government and appointed Mohammed al-Bashir as the interim prime minister. U.S. President Joe Biden expressed vigilance in monitoring the actions of rebel factions post-Assad’s exit, highlighting the complex power dynamics and ongoing conflicts within Syria.
Turkey’s involvement in Syria, particularly in supporting the Syrian National Army (SNA) to establish a security buffer zone along the border, adds another layer of complexity to the situation. Turkey’s concerns about Kurdish militant groups and its clashes with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have further exacerbated tensions in the region. Blinken’s discussions with Turkish and Jordanian counterparts focused on stabilizing Syria, preventing terrorism, and addressing ceasefire efforts in the Gaza Strip.
The United States remains committed to preventing the resurgence of terrorist groups like ISIS and managing the competing interests of various factions in Syria. Blinken’s diplomatic efforts underscore the importance of collaboration among regional stakeholders to achieve lasting peace and security in the war-torn country. Please rewrite this sentence for me.
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