Syria and Israel are reportedly engaged in substantial talks facilitated by the United States, aiming to restore tranquility along their shared border, as highlighted by Thomas J. Barrack Jr., the U.S. ambassador to Turkey and special envoy for Syria. In a recent interview, Barrack emphasized the intention of the U.S. administration to encourage Syria to join the Abraham Accords, an initiative that previously established diplomatic ties between Israel and several Arab nations during President Trump's tenure.
Barrack, appointed at the age of 78, acknowledged the likely challenges that Syria's newly elected president, Ahmed al-Shara, may encounter at home regarding this diplomatic approach. "He cannot be seen by his own people to be forced or coerced into the Abraham Accords," Barrack explained, indicating that the process will require a measured pace to gain public consent.
The Trump administration, in prioritizing economic development over traditional nation-building strategies, is looking to stimulate conflict resolution and enhance prosperity in the Middle East. Earlier this year, Trump articulated his focus on lucrative business opportunities in sectors such as arms and technology during his visit to the region. Moreover, the administration's recent military actions against Iranian nuclear facilities reinforce its commitment to fostering Israel's security and demonstrating assertiveness against adversaries.
Barrack described this approach as a significant shift from previous U.S. policies that attempted to dictate governance in foreign nations, emphasizing a more pragmatic and hands-off method in shaping relations in the Middle East.
