Post by : Raman

Damascus: Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa met with the new head of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), Admiral Brad Cooper, in Damascus on Friday. The meeting was also attended by the US special envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack. Both the Syrian presidency and CENTCOM issued statements describing the discussions, highlighting the purpose and importance of the meeting for both countries.

According to the Syrian presidency, the meeting focused on “prospects for cooperation in political and military fields” to serve shared interests and strengthen security and stability in Syria and the surrounding region. The statement emphasized that the discussions reflected a “positive atmosphere” and a shared interest in building stronger communication and a strategic partnership between Damascus and Washington.

CENTCOM also released a statement. Admiral Cooper and Tom Barrack thanked President Al-Sharaa for Syria’s support in fighting Daesh, another name for the Islamic State (IS) group. They also praised Syria for assisting in the recovery of US citizens who were missing or in danger in the country. The Syrian civil war, which began in 2011, has left many foreign nationals, including Americans, at risk, and some have been killed or disappeared during the conflict.

US Troop Presence and Syria’s Security Situation

For years, the United States has maintained military bases in Syria to fight the Islamic State. The group captured large areas in Syria and Iraq in 2014, causing widespread violence and destruction. US troops have been stationed at various locations to help local forces defeat Daesh and prevent its resurgence. The US military has also conducted raids and airstrikes to target remaining pockets of fighters.

In April, the Pentagon announced plans to cut US troop numbers in Syria to fewer than 1,000. This is part of a “consolidation” of forces, reducing the number of soldiers while maintaining enough presence to continue counterterrorism operations. US officials have indicated that eventually, all but one US base may be closed, reflecting a shift in strategy from large-scale occupation to smaller, focused operations.

Importance of the Meeting

The meeting between Al-Sharaa and Cooper is significant for several reasons. First, it signals a willingness to communicate and work together, even though the US and Syria have a long history of tension. Syria has been involved in a devastating civil war since 2011, and the United States has imposed sanctions, provided humanitarian aid, and supported certain local forces in the conflict. Establishing dialogue can help prevent misunderstandings and improve coordination on key issues, especially regarding security.

Second, the discussions highlight counterterrorism cooperation. Although Daesh has largely been defeated in Syria and Iraq, remnants of the group remain active. Both Syria and the United States have an interest in stopping the group from regrouping or carrying out attacks. CENTCOM stated that eliminating the Daesh threat in Syria reduces the risk of attacks on the US homeland and supports broader goals of stability and prosperity in the Middle East.

Third, humanitarian issues were also a focus. During the Syrian civil war, several US citizens went missing or were harmed. By acknowledging Syria’s assistance in recovering these citizens, the US is emphasizing the importance of humanitarian cooperation alongside military and political discussions.

Background on CENTCOM and Admiral Cooper

Admiral Brad Cooper was appointed to lead CENTCOM in early August. CENTCOM is the United States military command responsible for operations in the Middle East, including Syria, Iraq, and surrounding countries. Its responsibilities include overseeing counterterrorism efforts, coordinating with allies, and protecting US interests in the region.

Earlier this month, Admiral Cooper visited Israel, the United States’ close ally, marking his first official trip to the country since taking command. Israel has carried out numerous airstrikes in Syria, targeting forces it views as threats, particularly Iranian-backed groups. Despite these strikes, Israel has also engaged in dialogue with transitional authorities in Syria, an unusual step that indicates a complex web of cooperation and conflict in the region.

Political and Strategic Implications

The meeting reflects broader political and strategic interests. For the United States, maintaining communication with Syria helps manage security risks, coordinate counterterrorism efforts, and protect American citizens. It also provides a channel to influence events in the region, including preventing Daesh from regaining power and encouraging stability in Syria’s war-torn areas.

For Syria, hosting high-ranking US officials signals international attention and can provide opportunities to negotiate on security matters and other shared concerns. Although the US and Syria do not have full diplomatic relations, meetings like this allow both sides to explore cooperation on specific issues without formal recognition or agreements.

Experts say that such meetings can also prevent escalation of conflict. Clear communication between military and political leaders reduces the chance of misunderstandings that could lead to clashes or accidental attacks. It is an example of how dialogue can serve as a tool for peace and security, even between countries with past hostilities.

The Islamic State Threat

Although Daesh has lost much of its territory, the group remains a threat. The US and Syria share an interest in ensuring that the group does not regain strength. US airstrikes and targeted operations continue, even with a smaller troop presence. CENTCOM emphasized that defeating Daesh in Syria contributes to US homeland security, reduces regional instability, and supports a broader vision of a peaceful Middle East.

Humanitarian Considerations

The meeting also underscores ongoing humanitarian concerns. The Syrian civil war has caused immense suffering, with millions displaced, injured, or killed. Foreign nationals, including Americans, have been affected by the conflict. Cooperation between the US and Syria in recovering these citizens demonstrates the importance of addressing humanitarian issues alongside military and political priorities.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Despite the positive tone of the meeting, challenges remain. Syria continues to face domestic unrest, economic difficulties, and ongoing conflict in some areas. The US maintains sanctions and closely monitors Syria’s actions regarding international law and human rights. Regional instability, including tensions with Iran and ongoing conflicts in neighboring countries, adds further complexity.

The US military’s reduction in troops also means that future cooperation will rely more on limited operations, intelligence sharing, and partnerships with local actors. For Syria, maintaining dialogue with the US can help manage foreign relations and support efforts to stabilize the country in areas affected by conflict.

The meeting between Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa and US CENTCOM Chief Admiral Brad Cooper marks an important step in US-Syria relations. It demonstrates a willingness to communicate, cooperate on counterterrorism, and address humanitarian concerns. While challenges remain, including ongoing instability and political tensions, the meeting highlights the potential for dialogue and limited cooperation even among countries with a history of conflict.

The coming months will be important to watch. How the US and Syria continue to engage could influence security, stability, and the fight against terrorism in the region. Maintaining communication channels, even on specific issues, is a positive development in a region long marked by war, displacement, and instability.

This meeting shows that even in complex international relations, countries can find areas of shared interest. By working together, they may prevent further conflict, protect civilians, and reduce the threat of terrorism. While full peace remains a distant goal, such discussions are an essential step toward a more secure and stable Middle East.

Syria, Syrian President, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, US CENTCOM, Admiral Brad Cooper, Tom Barrack