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Biden Administration Removes Bounty On Syria’s New Leader, Signals Policy Shift

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – U.S. sanctions on Syria remain intact following a Friday meeting between the U.S. State Department and de facto Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (Abu Mohammed al-Golani). However, the bounty on al-Sharaa has been lifted, signaling a notable shift in U.S.-Syria relations.

Following a meeting with de facto Syrian leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, Washington announced the cancellation of a $10 million reward initially offered by the FBI in 2017 for information leading to his capture. The reward targeted Sharaa, then known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, for his allegiance to Al-Qaeda.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf disclosed the decision during a post-meeting briefing with reporters. “Based on our discussion, I told him we would not be pursuing the Rewards for Justice reward offer,” she stated.

During the meeting, officials emphasized preventing terrorist groups from posing threats within or beyond Syria, a commitment al-Sharaa affirmed, according to Leaf. She also stated that after discussions with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham representatives, she expects Syria to end Iran’s involvement in the country, breaking ties with the longtime ally of former dictator Bashar al-Assad.

“We fully support a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process that results in an inclusive and representative government which respects the rights of all Syrians, including women, and Syria’s diverse ethnic and religious communities,” Leaf stated.

Leaf states that Washington is advocating for a ceasefire between Turkish-backed forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces near the flashpoint city of Kobane. “We are working energetically, in discussions with Turkish authorities, also with SDF. We think the best way ahead is for ceasefire around Kobane,” she says.

The delegation did not discuss ongoing US sanctions on Syria, including the Caesar Act, which has heavily impacted the economy. However, Leaf emphasized the importance of direct engagement with Syrians to rebuild and shape the country’s future.

The reward was initially offered by the FBI in 2017 for information leading to the arrest of Sharaa, who was then known by his war name, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, due to his allegiance to Al-Qaeda.