The new U.S. special envoy to Syria, Thomas Barrack, made a landmark visit to the country on May 29, 2025, representing a significant diplomatic shift towards improved relations. During this visit, Barrack raised the American flag at the U.S. ambassador’s residence in Damascus, marking the first time the flag had flown there in over ten years.
Barrack's visit comes on the heels of President Trump’s surprise announcement to lift sanctions on Syria, following the recent establishment of a new government led by Ahmed al-Shara after the downfall of Bashar al-Assad's regime. This significant event underscores the Trump administration's desire to bolster stability in the region and foster collaboration with Syria’s renewed leadership.
During his time in Damascus, Barrack emphasized the need for dialogue regarding a nonaggression pact with Israel. In a statement, he described the situation as a “solvable problem” and suggested that the first step towards peace should be discussions about boundaries and borders.
In meetings with al-Shara and other government officials, including the Syrian interior and defense ministers, Barrack reiterated the importance of establishing normalized relations with Israel. His arrival and the raising of the American flag not only symbolize America's commitment to the new Syrian government but also reflect a broader strategy aiming to reshape Middle Eastern relations as part of a peace-building initiative.
The developments in Syria highlight a potential turning point in U.S. foreign policy, as the Trump administration seeks to engage diplomatically with nations that have historically experienced tension with the United States.
