WASHINGTON — Under Secretary of State John Bass embarked on a diplomatic mission to Türkiye and Saudi Arabia in early January 2025 to discuss critical issues affecting regional stability, with a primary focus on Syria.

His visit underscores the continued U.S. commitment to addressing the ongoing conflict in Syria, countering terrorism, and strengthening international cooperation in the Middle East.

A Diplomatic Push for a Syrian Solution
On January 9-10, Under Secretary Bass met with senior Turkish officials in Ankara to engage in discussions centered on Syria’s future.

A major point of conversation was the need for a peaceful, inclusive, and Syrian-led political transition.

Bass emphasized the importance of adhering to UN Security Council Resolution 2254, which calls for a political solution to the Syrian crisis that respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria while fostering national reconciliation.

Bass’s message was clear: the United States supports a transition that is driven by the Syrian people, a goal that remains elusive amid the ongoing violence and political fragmentation.

While Syria has faced significant challenges since the onset of its civil war in 2011, the U.S. and its allies continue to push for a resolution that involves all factions in the country, aiming to end the crisis through diplomatic means.

Another central issue raised during Bass's talks was the ongoing threat of terrorism in the region.

Syria has been a breeding ground for terrorist groups, most notably ISIS, which exploited the chaos of the conflict to establish a territorial foothold.

Preventing Syria from being used as a base for terrorism remains a crucial objective for the U.S. and its partners.

Bass reiterated that the defeat of ISIS is not just a military goal but a long-term diplomatic and political endeavor that requires continued international cooperation.

Regional Stability and Multilateral Coordination in Riyadh
Bass’s travels then took him to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from January 11-13, where he was set to attend a multilateral meeting hosted by the Saudi government.

The meeting brought together senior officials from the region and other global partners to coordinate international support for the Syrian people, focusing on humanitarian aid, the reconstruction of Syria, and the pursuit of a political solution.

The involvement of regional powers like Saudi Arabia is seen as vital in securing a broader international consensus on how to address Syria’s challenges.

In Riyadh, Bass was also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with key partners to further discuss shared regional and global priorities.

These discussions will likely touch on a wide range of issues, including the broader Middle East geopolitical landscape, counterterrorism efforts, and the future of Syria in the context of the region’s stability.

Bass’s visit to Riyadh highlights the U.S.'s role in facilitating multilateral efforts to address the ongoing crisis in Syria and ensure that the international community remains united in its approach.

A Challenging Road Ahead
Bass’s mission to Türkiye and Saudi Arabia comes at a time when the Syrian conflict has entered its second decade with no clear resolution in sight.

Despite several international attempts to broker peace, including ceasefires and diplomatic initiatives, the political and humanitarian situation remains dire.

The U.S. has consistently called for a political transition in Syria, but the involvement of various foreign powers, including Russia and Iran, has complicated efforts to reach an agreement.

Furthermore, the security situation in Syria remains precarious, with ISIS remnants continuing to pose a threat, particularly in the northeast of the country.

U.S. efforts to combat terrorism in Syria have been met with both success and setbacks, with local forces continuing to bear the brunt of the conflict.

In this context, Bass's visit underscores the need for sustained engagement and cooperation among the U.S., its allies, and regional partners like Türkiye and Saudi Arabia.

The U.S. sees Syria not only as a humanitarian disaster but also as a critical battleground in the broader fight against terrorism, extremism, and instability in the Middle East.

A Diplomatic Balancing Act
Bass’s diplomatic efforts reflect the broader U.S. strategy of balancing its support for Syrian-led political solutions with the realities of the ongoing conflict and its regional alliances.

While the U.S. maintains a focus on the sovereignty of Syria and the need for a transition led by the Syrian people, it also recognizes the importance of engaging with regional actors to address the broader security concerns that impact the Middle East.

As the U.S. continues to navigate its complex relationship with Syria and its allies in the region, the international community's role in stabilizing Syria and supporting its people is more important than ever.

Under Secretary Bass's trip serves as a reminder of the diplomatic efforts underway to bring about a peaceful resolution to one of the most prolonged and devastating conflicts of the 21st century.