In a landmark diplomatic move, the newly appointed U.S. envoy to Syria, Thomas Barrack, made his inaugural visit to Damascus on May 29, 2025, aiming to strengthen ties between the United States and the newly established Syrian government. This visit comes shortly after President Trump announced he would lift sanctions imposed on Syria, a significant policy shift reflecting the Trump administration's desire to foster stability in the region.
During his visit, Barrack raised the American flag at the U.S. ambassador's residence, marking the first time it had flown there in over ten years. This symbolic act underscores the growing optimism regarding U.S.-Syria relations following the ousting of former president Bashar al-Assad. Barrack's discussions with Syria's new leader, Ahmed al-Shara, focused on the importance of initiating a nonaggression agreement with Israel, a historically tense relationship that the envoy deemed a "solvable problem."
Speaking to reporters, Barrack emphasized the need for dialogue, stating, "It starts with a dialogue. I’d say we need to start with just a nonaggression agreement, talk about boundaries and borders." His remarks reflect a broader strategy aimed at encouraging Syria's leadership to normalize its relations with Israel, which could pave the way for peace in a region often fraught with conflict.
This visit and the accompanying rhetoric signal a significant pivot in U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, seeking to establish a cooperative framework with a country that has been isolated for years under Assad's regime. As the Trump administration sets its sights on establishing a more stable and cooperative Middle East, the initial steps taken by Barrack in Syria may herald a new era of diplomacy in the region.
