U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated on Wednesday that the United States does not intend to support any efforts to normalize relations with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad or to resume dealings with him until there is irreversible progress toward a political solution in Syria. Blinken's remarks came during a press conference at a time when some of Washington's Arab allies are beginning to revive economic and diplomatic relations with Assad.
Jordan, a close U.S. ally, reopened its main border crossing with Syria in late September, seeking to boost the economies of both struggling nations and support Arab states' efforts to reintegrate Syria, which has been isolated due to the civil war. Jordan's King also spoke with Assad this month for the first time in a decade, and the foreign ministers of Egypt and Syria met last month on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, in what Egyptian state media described as the first meeting at this level in nearly ten years.
Blinken said, “What we have not done and do not intend to do is express support for any effort to normalize relations or resume dealings with Mr. Assad or lift any sanctions imposed on Syria or change our position against rebuilding Syria until there is irreversible progress toward a political solution.” The United States has suspended its diplomatic presence in Syria since 2012.
Blinken noted that during the nine months since President Joe Biden took office on January 20, the focus has been on enhancing humanitarian aid, continuing the campaign against ISIS, and reaffirming the United States' commitment to holding the Assad government accountable. However, analysts point out that Syria has not been a priority in the Biden administration's foreign policy, with Washington largely focused on countering China. The administration has not yet imposed sanctions under the so-called Caesar Act, which came into force last year to increase pressure on Assad.
Blinken stated, “Moving forward, our vital areas of focus will be... keeping violence limited, increasing humanitarian assistance, and concentrating our military efforts on any terrorist groups that pose a threat to us or our partners.”
