The newly appointed U.S. envoy to Syria, Thomas Barrack, embarked on his first diplomatic mission to Damascus on Thursday, marking a pivotal moment in U.S.-Syria relations. During his visit, Barrack raised the American flag at the U.S. ambassador's residence for the first time in over ten years—a symbolic gesture reflecting the changing dynamics under the Trump administration.
This trip comes on the heels of President Trump's announcement to lift sanctions against Syria, coinciding with a meeting he had with Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Shara. Following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad's regime last year, Barrack’s visit highlights America's intent to foster stability in the region and support Syria’s new governance.
In his meetings with al-Shara and Syrian officials, including key ministers of defense and interior, Barrack emphasized the necessity for Syria to engage in a nonaggression pact with Israel. “We need to start with just a nonaggression agreement, talk about boundaries and borders,” Barrack stated, highlighting the U.S.'s belief in the possibility of resolving long-standing tensions.
The visit illustrates a broader strategy from the Trump administration aimed at rebuilding ties with Syria and highlights the envoy's commitment to engaging directly with the country's new leadership to forge forward-looking relations.
