Türkiye, despite being a NATO ally, has long butted heads with the United States over Syria but is now seen as the key foreign power after its partner Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a former Al-Qaeda-linked group, launched a surprise lightning offensive that ended half-a-century of iron-fisted rule by the Assad family.
In a statement on Tuesday, Blinken called for a “credible, inclusive and non-sectarian” government to replace Assad, a secular-minded member of the minority Alawite sect.
“All nations should pledge to support an inclusive and transparent process and refrain from external interference,” Blinken said.
“The United States will recognize and fully support a future Syria government that results from this process,” he said.
It will be the 12th visit to the Middle East by Blinken since October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants carried out the deadliest-ever attack on Israel, which responded with a relentless assault on the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip.
Despite repeatedly smelling success, Blinken has been met with frustration as he failed to secure a deal in which Israel would end the war in return for the release of hostages.
Blinken on his trip will also stress “the urgent need to conclude a ceasefire agreement,” Miller said.
