The U.S. openness to Syria’s new leadership marks a sharp shift in Washington’s approach to a country striving to restore territorial unity and revive its economy.

Hikmat al-Hijri, the head of the Druze religious authority in Syria’s Sweida province, has begun openly expressing his intention to isolate the region and keep any emerging entity beyond the control of the central government.

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) continue to resist integration into the new Syrian state and the handover of their territories to Damascus, signaling a clear bet on separatist ambitions.

Immediately after Assad’s fall, the new authorities dissolved the old army and security services, abolished compulsory military service, and committed to forming a new professional force, primarily made up of opposition fighters and fresh volunteers.

Following Trump’s announcement lifting sanctions on Syria, the U.S. expanded its political momentum toward Syria by appointing its ambassador to Ankara, Thomas Barak, as special envoy to Syria on May 23, 2025, while retaining his current post.