The United States took a significant diplomatic step as Thomas Barrack, the newly appointed American special envoy to Syria and current US ambassador to Turkey, arrived in Damascus for an official visit. This marks the first visit by a high-ranking US official to Syria since the US closed its embassy in 2012 amid escalating conflict and civil war.
Barrack was welcomed by the Syrian foreign minister and participated in inaugurating the official residence of the US ambassador in Syria’s capital, where, notably, the US flag was hoisted—an emblematic gesture indicating warming ties between Washington and Damascus.
This diplomatic movement follows a recent meeting in Riyadh between US President Donald Trump and Syria’s interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly leader of an Islamist insurgent group still designated as a terrorist organization by the US. Despite this background, Washington has recently signaled a readiness to engage more actively with Syria, influenced by regional allies Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
Moreover, the US has started easing sanctions imposed during Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Nevertheless, a formal reopening of the US embassy in Syria remains pending, with the US cautiously evaluating the evolving political landscape in Damascus.
In a statement posted on X, the US State Department quoted President Trump praising Barrack’s appointment, highlighting the potential for cooperation to combat radicalism, improve bilateral relations, and promote peace in the Middle East. Barrack himself expressed gratitude to President Trump for empowering a historically rich and long-oppressed region to pursue self-determination.
This visit exemplifies a notable shift in US foreign policy towards Syria, reflecting a complex balancing act between historical grievances and emerging strategic interests in the Middle East.
