Blinken
Antonio Blinken discusses Syria, ISIS while meeting Turkish President Recep Erdoğan
Secretary of State Antonio Blinken recently met Turkish President Recep Erdoğan over the developments in Syria and ensured that the coalition kept the terror group ISIS defeated.
Blinken recently visited Turkey.
"Secretary Blinken discussed strong U.S.-Turkish regional cooperation and shared interest in supporting a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political transition to an accountable and inclusive government," read a statement issued by US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller on Blinken's recent visit to Turkey.
Blinken reiterated the importance of all actors in Syria respecting human rights, upholding international humanitarian law, and taking all feasible steps to protect civilians, including members of minority groups.
Secretary Blinken noted the importance of facilitating the flow of humanitarian assistance to all in need and emphasized that displaced Syrians will continue to need protection.
"He also discussed the urgent need to conclude a ceasefire agreement in Gaza that secures the release of hostages and surges humanitarian assistance to vulnerable Palestinian civilians," Miller said.
The rebels led by Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) on Sunday captured key cities including the capital Damascus forcing Bashar to leave the country leading up to the end of Assad dynasty's 54-year rule.
Bashar fled to Russia where he has been granted asylum.
Bashar al-Assad's rule has been marked by several anti-democratic steps that have led to widespread criticism and condemnation from the international community.
Thousands of civilians died after Assad's regime responded to the Arab Spring protests in 2011 with brutal force.
His government has been accused of imprisoning and torturing political opponents, human rights activists, and journalists.
The government has been accused of committing war crimes, including the use of chemical weapons against civilians.
The regime has been responsible for numerous forced disappearances, with many people detained without trial or access to legal representation.
HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, a former jihadist who snapped ties with al-Qaeda in 2016, has promised tolerance towards religious groups and communities.
The group has formed an interim government in Syria under the leadership of former head of the rebel administration in the north-west, Mohammed al-Bashir.
The interim government will function until March 2025.
'US-Israel masterminded'
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Wednesday claimed the collapse of former President Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria was masterminded by the United States and Israel.
Khamenei was quoted as saying by IRNA news agency: "There should be no doubt that what happened in Syria was the result of a joint American-Zionist plot."
"Yes, a neighbouring state of Syria clearly played a role in this matter and continues to do so — everyone can see that," he said but did not name the nation.
He said: "The main conspirator, the main planner, and the command centre lie in America and the Zionist regime."
The toppling of Assad's 24-year-old regime is a blow to the Iran-led 'Axis of Resistance' political and military alliance.
The alliance mostly opposes Israeli and US influence in the Middle East.
"I tell you that By God’s grace, Iran is strong and powerful and will become more powerful," Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said.
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