play_arrow

keyboard_arrow_right

Listeners:

Top listeners:

skip_previous skip_next
00:00 00:00
playlist_play chevron_left
volume_up
  • cover play_arrow

Biden Administration Removes Bounty On Syria’s New Leader, Signals Policy Shift

Background

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – U.S. sanctions on Syria remain intact following a Friday meeting between the U.S. State Department and de facto Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (Abu Mohammed al-Golani). However, the bounty on al-Sharaa has been lifted, signaling a notable shift in U.S.-Syria relations.

Following a meeting with de facto Syrian leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, Washington announced the cancellation of a $10 million reward initially offered by the FBI in 2017 for information leading to his capture. The reward targeted Sharaa, then known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, for his allegiance to Al-Qaeda.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf disclosed the decision during a post-meeting briefing with reporters. “Based on our discussion, I told him we would not be pursuing the Rewards for Justice reward offer,” she stated.

During the meeting, officials emphasized preventing terrorist groups from posing threats within or beyond Syria, a commitment al-Sharaa affirmed, according to Leaf. She also stated that after discussions with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham representatives, she expects Syria to end Iran’s involvement in the country, breaking ties with the longtime ally of former dictator Bashar al-Assad.

“We fully support a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process that results in an inclusive and representative government which respects the rights of all Syrians, including women, and Syria’s diverse ethnic and religious communities,” Leaf stated.

Leaf states that Washington is advocating for a ceasefire between Turkish-backed forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces near the flashpoint city of Kobane. “We are working energetically, in discussions with Turkish authorities, also with SDF. We think the best way ahead is for ceasefire around Kobane,” she says.

The delegation did not discuss ongoing US sanctions on Syria, including the Caesar Act, which has heavily impacted the economy. However, Leaf emphasized the importance of direct engagement with Syrians to rebuild and shape the country’s future.

The reward was initially offered by the FBI in 2017 for information leading to the arrest of Sharaa, who was then known by his war name, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, due to his allegiance to Al-Qaeda.

Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.


Latest News from Worthy News

Dutch Town Reels After 13-Year-Old Girl Detained In Parents’ Deaths
Dutch Town Reels After 13-Year-Old Girl Detained In Parents’ Deaths
Saturday, June 20, 2026

A Dutch community remained in shock Saturday after a 13-year-old girl was detained following the discovery of her parents’ bodies in their home in the northern Netherlands.

Bolivia Declares State Of Emergency As Deadly Protests Paralyze Nation
Bolivia Declares State Of Emergency As Deadly Protests Paralyze Nation
Saturday, June 20, 2026

Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz declared a 90-day state of emergency Saturday, empowering the military to clear road blockades after nearly 50 days of anti-government protests that have included widespread road blockades, leaving at least 14 people dead and crippling the nation’s economy.

Deadly Storm Batters Western Europe With Record Lightning, Widespread Damage
Deadly Storm Batters Western Europe With Record Lightning, Widespread Damage
Saturday, June 20, 2026

A powerful thunderstorm system sweeping across Western Europe killed at least one person in the Netherlands, injured several others in Belgium and Germany, and caused widespread damage as nearly 190,000 lightning flashes illuminated the skies, authorities said Saturday.

Israeli Strikes Kill 10 In Lebanon Despite Ceasefire; US-Iran Deal Faces Test (Worthy News Focus)
Israeli Strikes Kill 10 In Lebanon Despite Ceasefire; US-Iran Deal Faces Test (Worthy News Focus)
Saturday, June 20, 2026

Israeli strikes killed at least 10 people in Lebanon on Saturday despite a ceasefire that took effect hours earlier, officials said, with Israel claiming it was responding to attacks by the Iran-backed Hezbollah group.

Israel and Hezbollah Agree To Ceasefire; Oil Price Falls
Israel and Hezbollah Agree To Ceasefire; Oil Price Falls
Friday, June 19, 2026

Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah have agreed to a ceasefire that was to begin Friday afternoon, Worthy News learned.

Ukraine Suffers New Strikes As EU Presses Russia For Ceasefire (Worthy News Radio)
Ukraine Suffers New Strikes As EU Presses Russia For Ceasefire (Worthy News Radio)
Friday, June 19, 2026

At least 10 people, including four children, were injured in a Russian strike on Ukraine’s northeastern Kharkiv region, Ukrainian authorities said Friday. In southern Ukraine, the State Emergency Service reported that one person was killed and four others were injured in a separate Russian attack on the Odesa region.

‘Policy Blunder’ or ‘Pathway To Peace’: Republicans Divided Over Iran Deal
‘Policy Blunder’ or ‘Pathway To Peace’: Republicans Divided Over Iran Deal
Thursday, June 18, 2026

President Donald Trump signed the temporary peace deal with Iran ahead of schedule Wednesday at the Palace of Versailles in France, kicking off negotiations over a final nuclear deal.

WHO WE ARE

The Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs encapsulate the beauty, wisdom, and eternal truths found in the Bible, creating an immersive experience that resonates with believers and seekers alike.

CONTACT