The US Ambassador Barrack named Syria envoy move marks a pivotal moment in Washington’s Middle East strategy, as President Donald Trump advances a new plan for Syrian reconstruction and stability.
Tom Barrack, current US Ambassador to Turkey and longtime Trump advisor, announced on Friday that he will serve as the new US Special Envoy for Syria. His appointment follows a major policy announcement to lift longstanding sanctions on Syria, signaling a broader shift in US diplomacy.
Barrack shared the news in a post on X, stating he would support Secretary of State Marco Rubio “in the realization of the President’s vision” for a peaceful and prosperous Syria. Trump’s plan includes normalizing ties between Syria and Israel through the Abraham Accords, in exchange for sanctions relief.
“President Trump has outlined his clear vision of a prosperous Middle East and a stable Syria at peace with itself and its neighbors,” Barrack wrote.
The announcement comes after Trump’s May 13 decision to begin lifting US sanctions, first imposed in 1979 when Syria was labeled a state sponsor of terrorism. According to Barrack, this move will help defeat ISIS and stabilize the country under new leadership.
The US Ambassador Barrack named Syria envoy policy follows the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, whose regime fell last year to Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, a former al-Qaeda affiliate. Though designated a terrorist organization, the group has emerged as Syria’s de facto government.
Barrack emphasized that ending sanctions will help Syrians rebuild after years of war. “We are enabling the Syrian government to restore peace, security, and the hope of prosperity,” he wrote. “Together with Türkiye and Gulf partners, we will succeed.”
The Biden administration had already lifted a $10 million bounty on the head of the group’s current leader. Now, for the first time in over a decade, US diplomats have returned to Damascus, signaling a dramatic policy reversal.
Nearly 1,500 US troops remain stationed in Syria. They work with Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to detain 10,000 ISIS fighters and monitor pro-Iranian militia threats.
The US Ambassador Barrack named Syria envoy development underscores a major pivot in US foreign policy. With regional support and US engagement, the administration hopes to achieve what years of military presence could not — long-term peace and a counterweight to Iranian and Russian influence.
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