White House Focuses on Regional Engagement and Monitoring Chemical Weapons in Syria

The White House has announced that its future actions in Syria will focus on engaging with internal groups, connecting with regional leaders, and continuing efforts against ISIS. According to CNN, a senior U.S. official stated, "We are engaging with a wide range of Syrian society, including opposition groups, active forces inside Syria, and exile groups. This communication network has been established over more than a decade and even before that." He noted that these interactions aim to "assist in the transition from Bashar al-Assad's regime towards an independent Syria that can uphold the rule of law and serve the interests of all Syrian citizens." The official also stated that the United States is closely monitoring developments regarding Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, a group that played a key role in the overthrow of Assad's government and was designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. in 2018. Abu Muhammad al-Julani, the leader of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, described recent rebel movements as a "victory for the Islamic Ummah" and stated, "This event marks a new chapter in the region's history." He added that the goal of the armed opposition is to establish a government based on institutions and a "council elected by the people." The White House also emphasized that the issue of remaining chemical weapons in Syria has been a top priority over the past week. According to CNN, the senior U.S. official said, "Ensuring the destruction or proper management of these weapons, from common chemicals like chlorine to much more dangerous materials, is at the top of our priorities."