Diplomats Engage in Historic Talks with Syria's De-facto Leader Amid Transitional Uncertainty

Senior U.S. diplomats met with Syria's new ruling figure Ahmed al-Sharaa to discuss the country's political transition after the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad. The talks focused on inclusivity and combating terrorism. Amid mixed reactions, Western powers are cautiously opening channels with al-Sharaa and the former al Qaeda affiliate HTS.

In a significant diplomatic maneuver, senior U.S. diplomats engaged with Syria's de-facto ruler Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus on Friday to deliberate on the nation's political transition and the future of its governance. The encounter, described as 'productive,' marks the first direct talks with al-Sharaa since he rose to power following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad.

Barbara Leaf, a leading Middle East diplomat at the State Department, stressed the importance of actions over rhetoric during a briefing, noting the necessity for an inclusive government that can eliminate threats from terrorist groups. She confirmed that the U.S. has decided to remove the lucrative bounty on al-Sharaa's head, acknowledging his commitment to these principles.

With Syria's regime change stirring hope among Western governments and Syrians alike, uncertainty looms over whether the new leadership will adopt democratic reforms or impose strict Islamic rule. As diplomatic ties cautiously rekindle, discussions also aim to address the fate of missing American journalist Austin Tice, amidst the larger geopolitical shifts in the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)