Taking a stricter stance and minimizing interaction to a minimum... Divergent opinions within the "US administration" regarding dealing with the "new Syrian government."

According to American sources, there are conflicting views within President Donald Trump's administration on how to deal with the new government in Syria and the extent of openness towards it. Reuters reported that diplomats and American sources familiar with the decision-making process stated that there are differing opinions in Washington on how to handle Syria. Some White House officials prefer a stricter stance towards the new Syrian leadership, minimizing interaction to a minimum due to its previous ties to Al-Qaeda. Conversely, the State Department seeks a more moderate approach towards Syria, engaging cautiously with the new government, including potential areas of cooperation, especially considering the country's need for stability after 14 years of war. Disagreements earlier this month led to heated discussions between the White House and the State Department regarding a statement by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemning violence in the Syrian coast. The United States presented a list of conditions to Syria and requested their implementation in exchange for partial sanctions relief, according to six informed sources cited by Reuters. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs and Syria, Natasha Franceschi, reportedly handed the list of demands to Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaaban during a personal meeting on the sidelines of the Syria donor conference in Brussels on March 18. Among the conditions set by the United States are the destruction of any remaining chemical weapons stores, cooperation in counterterrorism efforts, and ensuring that foreign fighters do not assume leadership positions in Syria's governing structure. Washington also requested Syria to appoint a liaison officer to assist in American efforts to find Austin Tice, the American journalist who disappeared in Syria over a decade ago. In exchange for meeting all demands, Washington will ease some sanctions, including extending a two-year exemption for transactions with Syrian government institutions, possibly issuing an additional exemption, and releasing a US statement supporting the unity of Syrian territories.​