Blinken in Mideast to discuss Syrian transition as Hamas softens Gaza ceasefire demands
-
Loading... - Anna Dorko
- 13 Dec 2024
- 27 Views
- 0 Like
- 0 Comment
Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Jordan on Thursday as part of a diplomatic mission to promote an “inclusive, Syrian-led” government transition in Damascus. His visit aims to engage with leaders of neighboring nations to garner support for this initiative, according to the State Department.
During his meetings, Blinken emphasized the importance of bringing together countries in the region and beyond to support the Syrian people as they seek to emerge from the long-standing dictatorship of Bashar al-Assad. “All of these conversations are looking to bring all the countries in the region together, as well as beyond the region, in a unified approach to supporting the Syrian people,” he stated after discussions with Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi. Later in the day, he also met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to further discuss the situation in Syria.
Blinken has previously indicated that the U.S. would “recognize and fully support” a new Syrian government if the transition process is inclusive and transparent. This marks a significant shift in U.S. policy towards Syria, as the Biden administration seeks to facilitate a political resolution to the ongoing conflict.
The rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which played a pivotal role in the uprising against Assad’s regime and has its roots in al-Qaeda, faces significant challenges in consolidating control over various rebel factions. Demonstrating political inclusivity will be crucial for HTS as it navigates the complex landscape of Syrian politics and seeks legitimacy in the eyes of both the Syrian populace and the international community.
In parallel to discussions on Syria, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza. According to Netanyahu’s office, the talks focused on the situation in the region and potential pathways to de-escalation.
A former Egyptian official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the discussions, revealed that Hamas had provided Israel with a list of names of living hostages in Gaza. This gesture is seen as a goodwill move aimed at facilitating a ceasefire agreement. The official noted that Hamas is willing to soften its previous demands, including the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.
Blinken's visit to the Middle East underscores the U.S. commitment to fostering a political transition in Syria while simultaneously addressing the urgent humanitarian and security challenges in Gaza. As diplomatic efforts continue, the outcomes of these discussions could have significant implications for regional stability and the future of both Syria and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The evolving dynamics in Gaza, coupled with the push for a new Syrian government, highlight the complexities of Middle Eastern geopolitics and the need for collaborative international efforts to achieve lasting peace.
