Exclusive: Cumhuriyet Probes HTS leader Jawlani's Status in U.S. Policy

The collapse of the 61-year Baath regime in under a week has spurred an extraordinary wave of diplomatic activity in Damascus. Representatives from various nations have flocked to Syria, seeking to establish relations with its nascent administration.

Among them is the United States, which had previously labelled HTS leader Muhammad al-Jawlani, a 'Specially Designated Global Terrorist' under Executive Order 13224. As part of this designation, the U.S. announced a $10 million bounty on Jawlani’s capture through the Rewards for Justice (RFJ) Program.

Source: The U.S. State Department, Executive Order (E.O.) 13224

A High-Level U.S. Visit

On December 20, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf, Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens, and newly appointed Senior Advisor Daniel Rubinstein travelled to Damascus. Their mission: is to monitor developments in Syria and engage with key players in the country’s shifting political landscape.

A State Department spokesperson described the visit as 'the first high-level U.S. delegation to Syria following the fall of the Baath regime.' While the statement confirmed meetings with opposition representatives who have taken control, it notably omitted direct mention of Muhammad al-Jawlani.

Barbara Leaf, US Assistant Secretary of State for Near East Policy

Three Critical Questions

Official U.S. records continue to classify Muhammad al-Jawlani as a 'terrorist,' a designation that entails severe sanctions on HTS and its affiliates. However, American law permits engagement with designated entities under certain circumstances.

Against this backdrop, Cumhuriyet sought clarification from the State Department, posing three pivotal questions:

1) Is the $10 million reward still active, or has Jawlani’s status been reassessed without public notification?

2) Does the program’s continuation suggest that the U.S. government is unaware of his widely reported whereabouts?

3) If actionable information is no longer being pursued, will the Rewards for Justice Program issue a statement to clarify its stance on Jawlani’s current status?

Muhammad al-Jawlani, Umayyad Mosque, Damascus

The State Department’s Response

While the State Department did not offer detailed answers, it reaffirmed that Jawlani remains 'wanted.'

A spokesperson provided the following statement:

"Rewards for Justice is still requesting information on Muhammad al-Jawlani that could lead to his arrest."

Though the response lacked specificity, the most reliable information about Jawlani—reportedly staying at the Four Seasons Hotel in Damascus—will likely come from U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Barbara Leaf, who is expected to meet with him today.

Key Issues at the U.S.-HTS Meeting

According to reports, the U.S. delegation’s discussions with HTS representatives are expected to address several critical topics, including:

• Syria’s political transition;
• The potential removal of HTS’s terrorist designation;
• The status of missing Americans, such as journalist Austin Tice.

In March, Secretary of State Antony Blinken publicly acknowledged that U.S. officials had engaged directly with HTS, signalling a notable policy shift. The question now arises: Could the U.S. become the first nation to delist HTS and its leader, Jawlani, from its roster of terrorist organizations?

Turkish FM Hakan Fidan and U.S. FM Antony Blinken, Qatar, Doha

White House insiders caution against any rush to judgment on the matter.

Growing International Engagement

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently underscored the increasing diplomatic momentum, stating:

"Our top diplomat returns to Damascus. We already have a European presence in Damascus through our humanitarian teams. Indeed, we have always maintained our presence in Syria to support those in need while respecting the principles of no contact, no cooperation, no funding to the Assad regime. But now, we have to step up and continue our direct engagement with HTS and other factions."

The U.S. delegation’s visit follows similar high-profile trips to Damascus by officials from France and the United Kingdom in recent weeks.

Historical Context

The U.S. severed diplomatic ties with Syria in 2012. A year later, it designated Jawlani as a terrorist, citing allegations that al-Qaeda in Iraq had tasked him with toppling the Assad regime and establishing an Islamic state. At the time, American officials accused HTS’s predecessor, the Nusra Front, of carrying out suicide attacks that killed civilians while advancing a violent, sectarian agenda.

The Road Ahead

As the international community closely monitors Syria’s evolving dynamics, attention remains fixed on HTS, Colani, and the country’s future. With diplomatic channels widening and high-stakes negotiations unfolding, many unanswered questions appear on the brink of resolution.