First U.S. Diplomats Visit Damascus Since Assad’s Ouster, Focused on Austin Tice and New Leadership

In a historic diplomatic shift, U.S. representatives have arrived in Damascus for the first formal visit in over a decade following the ouster of President Bashar Assad earlier this month. This landmark trip underscores Washington’s efforts to engage with Syria’s interim leadership while seeking answers about the fate of missing American journalist Austin Tice.

The delegation’s leaders include Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf, former Syria envoy Daniel Rubinstein, and hostage negotiations chief Roger Carstens. The State Department confirmed early Friday that the trio aims to hold talks with Syria’s new leadership, members of civil society, and other key stakeholders.

Austin Tice Case at the Forefront

A significant focus of the U.S. team is the mystery surrounding journalist Austin Tice, who disappeared in Syria in 2012. Tice, whose work appeared in The Washington Post and McClatchy newspapers, vanished at a checkpoint west of Damascus as the Syrian civil war escalated. Weeks after his disappearance, a chilling video showed him blindfolded and pleading for help, but no further credible information has surfaced since.

“The United States has intensified efforts to locate Austin and return him home,” the State Department stated, confirming recent communications with the rebel forces that overthrew Assad. Carstens previously visited Lebanon to gather intelligence about Tice’s whereabouts.

Talks with HTS Leadership

During the visit, the U.S. delegation is set to meet members of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the rebel group that spearheaded Assad’s ouster. Although designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, HTS remains an influential power broker in the post-Assad landscape. While specifics of the meetings remain unclear, the State Department did not rule out dialogue with Ahmad al-Sharaa, the HTS leader once aligned with al-Qaida.

Al-Sharaa’s recent pledges to protect women’s and minority rights have been cautiously welcomed. However, U.S. officials remain skeptical about his long-term commitment to these principles.

U.S. Priorities in Syria

The Biden administration emphasized that discussions would focus on promoting inclusivity, protecting minorities, and rejecting terrorism and chemical weapons—principles the U.S. sees as essential for any future support to Syria’s new government.

Despite the visit, officials clarified that reopening the U.S. embassy in Damascus is not imminent. Diplomatic recognition hinges on the intentions and stability of the new Syrian authorities. Since 2012, the Czech government has safeguarded the U.S. embassy compound in Damascus after operations were suspended due to the civil war.

Increased Military Efforts Amid Power Vacuum Concerns

As Assad’s fall creates uncertainty, the U.S. military has doubled its presence in Syria to counter the resurgence of the Islamic State (IS). Pentagon sources revealed a surge in airstrikes against IS targets amid fears that the group could exploit the power vacuum left by Assad’s ouster.

While U.S. forces remain concentrated in limited areas of Syria, their mission aligns with ongoing diplomatic efforts to ensure a stable transition in the war-torn nation.

A Critical Moment for U.S.-Syria Relations

The visit marks a significant pivot in U.S. policy toward Syria, signaling cautious optimism and a readiness to support a future aligned with democratic values. As the delegation engages with Syria’s diverse voices, the outcome of these talks could shape the region’s trajectory and rekindle hope for Tice’s safe return.

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