US offers incentives to Syria to ease minority conflicts, stabilize region

The United States is proposing incentives to Syria aimed at de-escalating conflicts with minority groups in a bid to stabilize the war-torn country, as diplomatic talks unfold in Jordan.

The move comes amid rising sectarian violence in southern Syria, particularly between loyalist Sunni forces and the Druze minority, which threatens to unravel a fragile alliance with Washington, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

According to sources close to Syrian affairs in Jordan, the US has suggested the formation of an international “Friends of Syria” coalition to support Syria’s recovery and reconstruction, in exchange for concessions on domestic governance. On August 12, US envoy Tom Barrack met with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shaibani in Amman to address violence in Sweida. The two parties agreed to establish a working group aimed at restoring calm.

King Abdullah II of Jordan also met with Al Shaibani and Barrack, voicing his “support for Syria’s efforts to preserve its security, stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.” Official media reported that the King offered Jordan’s expertise to help develop Syria and urged enhanced cooperation in combating terrorism and drug smuggling.

Washington seeks a more inclusive Syrian government and security apparatus, moving away from the current Sunni-dominated structure with minimal minority representation. The Druze community in Sweida and Kurds in eastern Syria have clashed with the post-Bashar al-Assad regime over demands for a civil constitution and limitations on the Sunni-led government’s power.

“The American idea is to form a Friends of Syria group of nations who would encourage Damascus to change course," a source explained. Damascus is expected to “purge militants in the security forces, rein in paramilitary groups and appoint technocrats to the government instead of having former rebel commanders oversee departments.” The US, Jordan, Türkiye, and Gulf states would form the coalition's core.

Recent fighting in Sweida, the deadliest since Hayat Tahrir Al Sham (HTS) seized power in parts of Syria, raised fears among minorities after mass killings in March and cast doubt on the new government’s ability to unify the nation after 13 years of civil war. Israeli attacks have further complicated the security situation, pushing loyalist troops but keeping them close to Sweida city.

“If Al Shara keeps letting the militants run the show, the government will self-destruct,” another source warned, highlighting the risk of a return to proxy warfare and suicide bombings if southern Syria falls out of government control.

The US aims to prevent such destabilization, with President Donald Trump recently lifting sanctions and establishing ties with Syria’s new leader, Ahmad Al Shara, described by Trump as a “tough guy” with a “very strong past.”

Syria has since signed major investment deals, including a $14 billion package aimed at rebuilding infrastructure, signaling a push toward economic recovery. However, the UN estimates the full cost of reconstruction at over $400 billion.

By Vafa Guliyeva