Barrack to support Trump’s Middle East vision as new Syria Special Envoy
Tom Barrack, the current US Ambassador to Turkey and former advisor to President Donald Trump, made a significant announcement on Friday. He revealed that he would be taking on the role of U.S. Special Envoy for Syria, following recent sanctions relief. This move comes as a part of the President’s vision for a prosperous Middle East and a stable Syria at peace with itself and its neighbors.
In a post on X, Barrack expressed his commitment to supporting Secretary of State Marco Rubio in realizing the President’s vision for Syria. President Trump had previously committed to lifting sanctions against Syria on May 13, allowing the new government to stabilize the country. These sanctions were initially imposed in 1979 when Syria was designated as a state sponsor of terrorism.
Barrack emphasized that lifting the sanctions would contribute to the enduring defeat of ISIS while providing the people of Syria with an opportunity to recover following the ousting of the Bashar al-Assad regime by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham last year.
Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, a U.S. and U.N.-designated terrorist organization, separated from al Qaeda in 2016. Currently, there are nearly 1,500 U.S. troops stationed in Syria to combat ISIS, with around 10,000 ISIS fighters being held by the Syrian Democratic Forces, a U.S.-backed Kurdish militia.
The move to lift the $10 million bounty on the leader of the Islamist group in charge in Syria signifies a shift in approach towards stabilizing the region. Barrack highlighted the importance of working with regional partners, including Turkey and the Gulf, to enable the Syrian government to restore peace, security, and the hope of prosperity.
The presence of U.S. diplomats in Damascus for the first time in over a decade following the fall of the Assad regime indicates a renewed effort to engage with the Syrian government. Barrack reiterated the President’s commitment to working together with regional partners to achieve success in bringing stability to Syria.
In conclusion, the appointment of Tom Barrack as the U.S. Special Envoy for Syria marks a significant step towards realizing President Trump’s vision for the region. By lifting sanctions and collaborating with regional partners, the U.S. aims to support the Syrian government in restoring peace and security. This strategic approach underscores the administration’s commitment to achieving lasting stability in Syria.
[Author’s Note: This article was written by Alexandra Koch, a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital, with contributions from Morgan Phillips and Caitlin McFall. Koch has a background in covering breaking news, crime, religion, and the military in the southeast region.]
