While there is broad agreement that the Islamic State will be excluded from political talks, the key international players — including the United States, Russia, Iran, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia — have widely divergent views on which groups should be included. Qatar, for instance, has urged al-Nusra Front to break away from al Qaeda in hopes the group might be given a voice in the political transition.

Ultimately, the United States seems to be seeking a middle ground on Ahrar al-Sham: While it refuses to embrace the Islamist group, Washington also won’t block it from Western-backed political talks. A Western diplomat said the issue could be resolved if the militant group plays its cards right.

“We don’t view Ahrar al-Sham as a major sticking point,” the official said. “If Ahrar al-Sham is willing to abide by a political process and negotiations towards transition, then it should not be excluded. Nor should it be a legitimate target.”