Leaked diplomatic communications revealing what Washington demands of the transitional government in Damascus have shed further light on the evolving international reaction to regime change in Syria.
The revelations were followed by a warning published on the website of the US embassy, which revealed the extent of official concern about the security situation in the country: “The US Department of State warns American citizens of an increased threat of attacks during Eid al-Fitr celebrations, which may target embassies, international organisations, and Syrian public institutions in Damascus. Possible attack methods may include armed assailants, attackers on foot, or using explosive devices."
The US is not alone in its worries. Germany and Austria have cancelled ministerial visits to the country due to indications of a potential terrorist threat. Even the inauguration ceremony of the new Syrian government was delayed by hours due to security concerns.
It coincided with an announcement from Syria's Ministry of Interior of an operation in the Sayyidah Zaynab area in rural Damascus, targeting cells reportedly affiliated with the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah suspected of "planning criminal operations." Security forces arrested several operatives.
In January, Syrian security forces thwarted a plot by the Islamic State (IS) to detonate a bomb at a shrine in the same area, according to Syria's official news agency, SANA. The Washington Post reported that the US had shared confidential intelligence with Syrian authorities, helping them foil the attack.
Meanwhile, Reuters reported that the US has presented Syria with a list of conditions to be met in exchange for a partial easing of sanctions, citing six sources. The conditions include ensuring that no foreigners assume leadership positions within the government. The demands were delivered by Natasha Franceschi, deputy assistant secretary of state for the Levant and Syria, to Asaad al-Shaibani, Syria’s minister of foreign affairs, during a donors' conference in Brussels.
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