U.S. Rules Out Diplomatic Normalization with Syria “At This Stage,” Says State Department
Bruce’s comments underscore the United States’ continued reluctance to legitimize Syria’s transitional leadership without tangible progress.
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The United States currently sees no need to normalize diplomatic relations with Syria, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce announced on Tuesday, emphasizing that Washington continues to evaluate Syria’s internal situation with measured caution as the region undergoes dramatic transformations.
Speaking during a press conference held on Tuesday, Bruce clarified, “At this stage, we have no need to normalize diplomatic engagement with the Syrian government.” Her remarks followed recent reports of Syrian transitional officials engaging with international counterparts during meetings in New York.
The spokesperson reaffirmed that Washington is closely monitoring Syria’s developments, noting that re-engagement would require specific and credible political commitments from Damascus, particularly in the realm of governance reform and human rights guarantees.
No Shift in U.S. Posture Toward Damascus
Bruce’s comments underscore the United States’ continued reluctance to legitimize Syria’s transitional leadership without tangible progress. While the U.S. has supported limited humanitarian coordination, full diplomatic normalization remains off the table unless Damascus demonstrates clear movement toward a democratic and inclusive future.
Syria Among Several Global Flashpoints
In the same briefing, Bruce addressed additional geopolitical crises. On the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, she urged both sides to submit “concrete proposals to end hostilities,” cautioning that Washington may reconsider its mediating role if progress continues to stall.
Bruce also turned to rising tensions between India and Pakistan, urging both governments to de-escalate immediately and reassert control over cross-border instability. She noted that the U.S. is preparing for direct diplomatic engagement with both countries to help prevent further deterioration.
Washington’s Strategic Restraint
The United States has maintained a position of strategic restraint toward Syria, even as transitional dynamics unfold on the ground. While engaging through international humanitarian channels, Washington has demanded substantive commitments to equal representation, and legal accountability as prerequisites for formal normalization.
