Nine months into an engagement process with numerous bilateral meetings, the U.S.-Syria relationship is not going well. The administration has yet to even clarify what precise, workable objectives it seeks to achieve in talking to Syria.

Renewing and normalizing relations is not an U.S. goal in itself. Syria is widely seen in a skeptical Washington, as a spoiler that needs neutralizing, rather than a potential strategic partner. Fundamental issues such as Syrian support to Hizbollah and Hamas will haunt the relationship pending a comprehensive peace in the region, placing a clear limit on how far bilateral normalisation can go.

Syria's Ambassador in Washington Imad Mustafa on Sunday announced that the US Department of the Treasury has allowed the transfer of $ 500.000 to a Syrian charitable Association, in a sign that Obama administration is easing the economic embargo on Syria.