Tom Barrack

US Envoy Tom Barrack's 'integration' vision sparks debate on Syria's future - interview

At Bahrain’s Manama Dialogue, US ambassador Tom Barrack urged Gulf leaders to back Syria’s reintegration, saying the war-torn nation’s future depends on “integration, not isolation.”

US special envoy for Syria Tom Barrack attends a press conference with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani and Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, in Damascus, Syria September 16, 2025.
Supporters of Lebanon's Shiite terror group Hezbollah attend the funeral of terrorists killed in recent Israeli attacks, in the southern city of Nabatiyeh on November 2, 2025.

Israel, Hezbollah closest to war since ceasefire as group's disarmament lags - analysis

A Hezbollah supporter holds a Palestinian flag and a cutout image of late Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah at a ceremony held by Hezbollah to commemorate the first anniversary of Nasrallah's killing by Israel, on the outskirts of Beirut, Lebanon, September 27, 2025.

If Hezbollah continues resisting disarmament, Lebanon cannot move forward - analysis

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa arrives to address the 80th United Nations General Assembly at the U.N. headquarters in New York, U.S., September 24

Syrian President Sharaa to make first ever visit to White House in coming weeks


Lebanon, US envoy clash over Israeli strikes and Hezbollah's role

US envoy Morgan Ortagus meets Lebanon’s leaders to discuss Israeli strikes, Hezbollah disarmament, and efforts to stabilize the region.

US envoy Morgan Ortagus speaks in Beirut, August 26, 2025; illustrative.

'Hezbollah rebuilding faster than Lebanese Army dismantling,' Western intel. officials tell 'Post'

Western officials warn Hezbollah’s rapid rearmament could trigger Israeli action if Lebanon fails to act.

Supporters of Lebanon's Hezbollah block the streets with burning tires as they rally in cars and motorbikes to protest the government's endorsement of a plan to disarm it, in Beirut's southern suburbs early on August 8, 2025

Syria, Lebanon key to next phase of Middle East peace, says US Ambassador Tom Barrack - analysis

US Ambassador Tom Barrack recently argue that the Gaza peace deal will be remembered as "a defining moment in modern Middle Eastern diplomacy." How can that affect Lebanon's stability?

 An illustrative image of a Hezbollah flag in the backdrop of an individual holding a weapon.

Turkey vs Iran: The endless struggle holding the Middle East hostage - opinion

Turkey views its former territories in the Fertile Crescent as a natural strategic extension of its national security, and Iran’s growing influence on its southern border is an absolute red line.

 Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian meets with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, in Tehran, Iran September 3, 2023.

Sweida’s crisis and the quiet path to a Syria-Israel security deal - opinion

The US is playing a mediating role in the Syria-Israel security discussions, and is also deeply involved in the agreement known as the 'Sweida roadmap,' publicly announced in Damascus.

People stand next to a destroyed tank turret, following deadly clashes between Druze fighters, Sunni Bedouin tribes, and government forces, in Syria's predominantly Druze city of Sweida, Syria July 25, 2025.

Tom Barrack’s diplomacy of optics: Fast deals, fragile peace - opinion

Tom Barrack’s high-speed diplomacy in Syria and Lebanon backfired, fueling instability, alienating allies and deepening mistrust across the region.

US ambassador to Turkey and special envoy for Syria Tom Barrack listens to a question during a joint press conference following his meeting with Lebanon's president at the Presidential Palace in Baabda on August 18, 2025.

Syria, Israel near 'de-escalation' pact, US envoy says

Syria and Israel are in talks to reach an agreement that Damascus hopes will secure a halt to Israeli airstrikes and the withdrawal of Israeli troops who have pushed into southern Syria.

U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and U.S. special envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack speaks after meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun (not pictured) at the presidential palace in Baabda, Lebanon August 26, 2025.

Syrian foreign minister to discuss lifting of US sanctions in Washington this week, Axios reports

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani is due to meet US lawmakers in Washington to discuss lifting sanctions and advancing a security deal with Israel, Senator Lindsey Graham was cited as saying.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani, August 12, 2025.

Syrian leader says talks with Israel underway on disengagement agreement

Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara’a said talks with Israel aim to restore the 1974 disengagement terms, as Damascus balances outreach to the US, Russia, and regional states.

 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, with a map of the Middle East (Illustrative).

Pentagon approves security assistance package for Lebanon worth $14.2 million

The Pentagon approved a package that will aid the Lebanese Armed Forces's disarmament of Hezbollah

Lebanon's Hezbollah members hold party flags as they listen to their leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah addressing his supporters via a screen during a rally marking the anniversary of the defeat of militants near the Lebanese-Syrian border, in al-Ain village, Lebanon August 25, 2019.

'Arrogance of a cowboy': US envoy slammed for off-the-cuff remark in Lebanon

As ambassador to Turkey and envoy to Syria, Barrack has not usually caused offense, though his role on Syria policy has led to some controversy among those who support the US-backed SDF.

U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and U.S. special envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack speaks after meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun (not pictured) at the presidential palace in Baabda, Lebanon August 26, 2025.