At the heart of international tensions is a recent statement by the regional spokesman for the US State Department, Samuel Werberg. He stated that the United States is currently undertaking a thorough review of the classification of Syrian rebel leader Abu Muhammad al-Julani, also known as Ahmad al-Sharaa, and the Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham organization, as well as all groups in Syria previously designated as “terrorist organizations.”
In an interview with “Al-Hadath Al-Youm” channel last Tuesday, Werberg stressed that the US classification of certain groups as terrorist organizations, or the imposition of sanctions against a specific party, is not an end in itself, but rather a means of pressure aimed at inducing the person or group concerned to change their behavior. He also referred to the sanctions imposed on Russia, Iran and Syria.
Werberg indicated that the US is currently reviewing the sanctions and classifications to determine whether they have actually resulted in any changes or not. He said: “At this time, offices and departments of the US government are conducting these assessments regarding al-Julani, Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, and any other group in Syria that has been designated as a terrorist organization.”
He stressed that he does not expect any immediate decisions from the US administration on this matter, adding: “However, without a doubt, we are witnessing the emergence of a new Syria and new circumstances that did not exist a week ago, which prompts us to reconsider all sanctions and classifications.”
Werberg also clarified that the imposition of a sanction by the United States or the classification of an individual or group as a terrorist does not criminalize dealings with that individual or entity. He explained that US law prohibits funding but does not prohibit communication with it.
This period of review of classifications and sanctions is taking place in a shifting and uncertain geopolitical context, where the United States seeks to adjust its position in response to developments on the ground. The repercussions of these decisions could have a significant impact on the situation in Syria and on international relations in the region.
As the United States reassesses its approach to groups in Syria, it remains to be seen what guidelines will be adopted and what consequences this could have on the already complex situation in the region. Monitoring these developments will be crucial to understanding the evolving political and security dynamics in Syria and beyond.