Biden holds secret talks with Syrian rebels as regime faces collapse

Joe Biden has engaged in secret talks with Syria's leading rebel group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), warning them against collaborating with Islamic State terrorists. This communication occurred during the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime. HTS, which has distanced itself from its Al-Qaeda past, reassured Biden it would not allow ISIS involvement. The U.S. is considering how to engage with HTS amid concerns over its history of terrorism and human rights abuses. Western nations are cautious about HTS, with discussions ongoing about its designation as a terrorist group. The European Union has called for a Syrian-led transition of power, while Germany will assess HTS based on its treatment of minorities.