Early Friday, the US State Department announced that three senior American diplomats have touched down in Damascus to engage with the new regime forces that have taken control of the Syrian capital.

Their mission includes discussions on the future governance of Syria and seeking updates on missing US citizens, notably journalist Austin Tice.

The delegation comprises Barbara Leaf, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs; Roger D. Carstens, Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs; and Daniel Rubinstein, who has been recently appointed as Special Advisor on Syria. Their agenda includes direct engagement with various segments of Syrian society, from civil society members and activists to representatives of different ethnic and religious communities, to understand their vision for a post-conflict Syria and how the US can assist in this transition.

A significant part of their visit involves talks with Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the dominant rebel group in the area, to discuss "transition principles" that were previously agreed upon by American, Arab, and Turkish officials at a recent meeting in Aqaba, Jordan. These principles aim at fostering an inclusive political transition in Syria, with a strong emphasis on protecting the rights of ethnic and religious minorities, including Christians, ensuring their fair treatment in any new governance structure.

This diplomatic mission marks a pivotal moment in US-Syrian relations post-Assad, focusing not only on political stability and human rights but also on the humanitarian aspect of locating and potentially securing the release of missing American citizens. The discussions in Damascus are seen as a step towards shaping a new chapter in Syrian politics, with international support for a peaceful and representative government. (ILKHA)