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U.S. Officials Meet with Syrian President to Discuss ISIS Counterterrorism adn Military Integration
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Damascus, Syria – In a significant growth signaling a potential shift in U.S. policy towards Syria,CENTCOM Commander Brad Cooper and U.S. Ambassador and Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack held a meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in damascus today, September 12, 2025. The meeting focused on ongoing counterterrorism efforts against ISIS and discussions surrounding the integration of various Syrian armed groups into the Syrian Government’s military.
According to a statement released by CENTCOM, U.S. officials praised President al-Sharaa for “his support to counter ISIS in Syria.” The statement further detailed commitments “to continuing efforts that support U.S. goals in the Middle East,including negotiations for the integration of various Syrian armed groups into the new Syrian Government’s military.”
This meeting represents a notable instance of direct engagement between high-ranking U.S. officials and the Syrian government, a relationship that has been strained for years. While the U.S. has previously supported opposition groups fighting against the Syrian government, this dialog suggests a pragmatic approach focused on shared security interests, especially the defeat of ISIS. The potential integration of disparate armed groups into a unified Syrian military remains a complex undertaking, fraught with political and logistical challenges.
The move comes amidst ongoing regional instability and evolving geopolitical dynamics. The U.S. continues to navigate a delicate balance between supporting regional allies, countering terrorist threats, and promoting stability in the Middle East. Further details regarding the specifics of the negotiations and the timeline for potential military integration are expected to emerge in the coming days.
Context: U.S. Involvement in Syria and the Fight Against ISIS
U.S. involvement in Syria has been multifaceted since the outbreak of the Syrian Civil War in 2011. Initially focused on supporting opposition groups seeking to overthrow the Assad regime, U.S. policy shifted considerably with the rise of ISIS. The primary focus then became supporting local partners, including the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), in the fight against the terrorist association. The defeat of ISIS’s territorial caliphate in 2019 did not eliminate the threat, however, as ISIS continues to operate as an insurgency in Syria and Iraq.
The integration of various armed groups into a unified Syrian military is a long-standing goal of international efforts to stabilize the country. However, achieving this goal has been hampered by deep-seated divisions between the Syrian government, opposition groups, and various foreign actors. The current discussions represent a potential, albeit challenging, step towards a more unified and stable Syria.
Frequently Asked questions
- Who were the U.S. officials who met with the Syrian President?
- CENTCOM Commander Brad Cooper and U.S. Ambassador and Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack met with Syrian president Ahmed al-Sharaa.
- What was the main topic of discussion during the meeting?
- The meeting focused on counterterrorism efforts against ISIS in Syria and negotiations for the integration of various Syrian armed groups into the Syrian Government’s military.
- Why is this meeting significant?
- This meeting represents a notable instance of direct engagement between high-ranking U.S. officials and the Syrian government, signaling a potential shift in U.S.policy towards Syria.
- What is the current status of ISIS in Syria?
- While ISIS lost its territorial caliphate in 2019, it continues to operate
