US officials encourage Syrian rebels to form inclusive government after regime collapse

The Biden administration is urging the Syrian rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) to form an inclusive transitional government rather than assume automatic leadership after the recent collapse of President Bashar al-Assad's regime. U.S. officials are coordinating with allies, including Turkey, and have communicated messages to HTS about establishing a formal governing structure. The U.S. will not support HTS taking control without a proper selection process for new leaders. Some U.S. lawmakers are advocating for lifting sanctions on Syria to aid in rebuilding efforts, while the administration continues military operations against ISIS and Iranian-backed groups in the region.