US Spoke Directly With Syrian Rebel Government, Blinken Says.

The US has engaged in direct talks with the rebel group now in power in Syria, according to Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Discussions have included the possibility of sanctions relief and the importance of finding missing US journalist Austin Tice. The Biden administration has warned the group, Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham, that it must adhere to certain principles to avoid international isolation and gain recognition as the legitimate government of Syria. Various countries, including the US, EU, Turkey, and Arab states, have called for an end to hostilities in Syria and the formation of an inclusive government to end the country's international isolation. [Extracted from the article]