In the two months since the ousting of former dictator Bashar al-Assad, Syria has gained a measure of stability. In late January, Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s interim President, announced that he expects the transitional period leading up to the first elections, to last three to five years. At the same time, he said that during this period, his government’s top priorities will be to achieve civil peace and pursue criminals from the previous regime; completing the unification of all Syrian territory; building strong state institutions based on competency and merit; and establishing the foundations of a strong economy.
The United States is concerned about the undermining of Syria’s new-found stability by malign and outside actors, so President Sharaa’s first goal in particular dovetails with U.S. hopes and expectations for the region. “We want a Syria that denies foreign malign actors the opportunity to exploit Syria’s transition for their own objectives,” said United States Chargé d’Affaires ad interim to the U.N., Dorothy Shea.
“We are concerned by reports of newly formed groups in Syria that are inciting violence, including by seeking to draw Israel into direct conflict. These groups are reportedly receiving financial and logistical support from Iran, even after Iran’s departure from Syria.”
“Ongoing armed hostilities in northern Syria are also concerning, and the United States will continue to pursue a ceasefire that will enable our local partners to focus on combatting ISIS and maintain security of detention facilities and displaced persons camps,” said Ambassador Shea.
“Since the territorial defeat of ISIS, U.S. assistance has played a vital role in managing and securing Al-Hol and Roj displaced persons camps in northeast Syria, and, critically, Syrian Democratic Forces-managed facilities detaining thousands of ISIS fighters, but this assistance cannot last forever.”
“The United States has shouldered too much of this burden for too long. Ultimately, the camps cannot remain a direct U.S. financial responsibility,” said Ambassador Shea.
“We accordingly continue to urge countries to expeditiously repatriate their displaced and detained nationals who remain in the region.”
“We also took note that the UN received approval to resume deliveries of humanitarian assistance through the Bab al-Hawa crossing and we will continue to encourage sustained access.”
“We remain in close touch with our allies and partners,” said Ambassador Shea, “and emphasize the importance of reaching stability in Syria to make our country and the region more secure.”
