US diplomats in Damascus, Syria, for first time in 10+ years after Assad’s fall

A delegation of U.S. officials has made a historic visit to Damascus, Syria, for the first time in over a decade. The team, led by US Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf, and NEA Senior Adviser Daniel Rubinstein, is seeking information on American citizens who disappeared under the Assad regime and engaging with various stakeholders in the country.

Rubinstein, a seasoned diplomat with extensive experience in foreign affairs, is spearheading the diplomatic engagement in Syria. The mission aims to connect with the Syrian people and key parties within the country to understand their vision for the future post-Assad regime. The team will also seek to coordinate with allies to advance principles outlined during a recent meeting in Aqaba, Jordan.

During their visit, the officials will meet with members of civil society, activists, and representatives of different communities to gather insights on how the U.S. can support the Syrian people in shaping their desired future. Additionally, they will engage with Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), a U.S.-designated terrorist group, to discuss transition principles endorsed by the United States and regional partners.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken has emphasized the importance of an inclusive, Syrian-led political transition, which was a focal point of discussions during the Aqaba Meetings on Syria. The United States is committed to supporting a future government in Syria that represents all Syrians.

One key objective of the visit is to uncover the fate of American citizens who went missing under the Assad regime, including Austin Tice, a former marine turned freelance journalist who was kidnapped in Syria in 2012. Carstens has been leading efforts to locate Tice and has announced a $10 million reward through the Rewards for Justice program for information on his whereabouts.

The FBI has reiterated its call for information on Tice, emphasizing the importance of ensuring his safe location, recovery, and return. The visit to Syria underscores the U.S. commitment to addressing the humanitarian and security challenges in the region and supporting the aspirations of the Syrian people for a better future.