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Biden Decides to Maintain "Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham" as Terrorist Organization for Duration of His Term
President Joe Biden's administration has decided to maintain the designation of "Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham" as a terrorist organization in Syria until the end of Biden's term, leaving the crucial decision regarding the group and its leader Ahmad al-Shara to the incoming administration headed by elected President Donald Trump, according to three U.S. officials familiar with the matter as reported by The Washington Post.
The classification of "Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham" as a terrorist organization presents a significant obstacle to the long-term economic viability in Syria. American officials have stated that "the Islamists who stunned the world last year by ousting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad need to demonstrate that they have severed ties with extremist groups, especially al-Qaeda, before any change in designation can occur."
Regarding Washington's ongoing concerns about the integration of foreign fighters and other militants into positions within the Syrian Ministry of Defense, a senior U.S. official emphasized that "actions will speak louder than words."
Elected President Donald Trump has appointed several critics of extremism to prominent positions within the White House, such as Sebastian Gorka as Senior Director for Counterterrorism and Michael Waltz as National Security Advisor. Allowing the new Trump administration to decide on the designation of "Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham" is expected to extend the stringent U.S. sanctions imposed on Syria during Assad's rule.
The continuation of "Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham" on the list of foreign terrorist organizations makes it illegal for U.S. citizens to provide "material support or resources" to the group, enabling financial sanctions or legal action against them.
Trump transition spokesperson Brian Hughes declined to clarify the details of the designation but reaffirmed Trump’s commitment to "reducing threats to peace and stability in the Middle East and protecting Americans at home."
Moreover, there is broad consensus within the international community that Syria desperately needs more aid and reconstruction initiatives after over a decade of civil war. Despite the Biden administration's maintenance of the group's designation, it eased several restrictions on Syria on Monday, aimed at promoting the country's recovery and building trust with the interim government.
The U.S. Treasury Department issued a general license for six months for a range of transactions with the Syrian government, allowing humanitarian groups to provide essential services such as water, sanitation, and electricity. It also permits some transactions with the government without fear of sanctions, including energy sales.
Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo noted that the end of Bashar al-Assad's repressive regime, backed by Russia and Iran, presents a unique opportunity for Syria and its people to rebuild. He affirmed that the department will continue to support humanitarian aid and responsible governance during this transitional period.
American diplomats have made several visits to Syria to engage with the group, described as a proactive and wise effort, as a U.S. official indicated that lifting the designation of the organization as a foreign terrorist entity requires a careful and complex process.
Another official confirmed that the necessary steps for "Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham" to be removed from the list will take time, stressing that the Biden administration made the right decision.
For his part, Robert Ford, the former U.S. ambassador to Syria, stated that the U.S. government should establish clear criteria for "Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham" regarding how to remove its name from the list. He emphasized that "it would be best to develop a set of standards and present them to the leadership of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham to initiate discussions around them."
Rick Grenell, a Trump advisor, described the armed groups that ousted Assad as "a mix of different types of people," emphasizing that "we will evaluate them based on their actions."
