Barbara Leaf, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State, announced that Washington has canceled the $10 million reward for the arrest of Ahmed Shar’a, the leader of Tahrir al-Sham, following a meeting between U.S. diplomats and the group’s leader in Damascus.
Barbara Leaf, who oversees Middle Eastern affairs, justified the decision by stating that the leader of Tahrir al-Sham has pledged not to allow terrorist groups to operate in Syria or pose a threat to the United States or neighboring countries.
The U.S. had initially offered this reward for information leading to the capture of Ahmed Shar’a, who has been a central figure in the conflict in Syria.
Leaf further explained, “I have heard his priorities, which strongly focus on efforts to steer Syria back toward economic recovery. The cancellation of the reward is a political decision aligned with initiating dialogue with Tahrir al-Sham. It would be illogical to maintain a reward while engaging in talks.”
This decision marks a significant shift in U.S. policy towards Tahrir al-Sham, signaling a potential recalibration of diplomatic engagement in Syria. By canceling the reward, the U.S. appears to be prioritizing dialogue over punitive measures to address regional stability.
While this approach could foster cooperation, it raises questions about the implications for U.S. counterterrorism strategy and the broader geopolitical dynamics in Syria. Balancing dialogue with accountability remains a complex challenge for policymakers.
The post US lift $10 million reward for arrest of Tahrir al-Sham leader appeared first on Khaama Press.
