Tom Barrack

US Ambassador Barrack has a unique position, balancing work in Syria, Turkey, Iraq - analysis

This month tensions exploded into view with Israeli airstrikes in northern Syria. Barrack, who has been playing an important role in Syria for the last year is now front and center.

S Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack accompanies US President Donald Trump (not seen) during a press conference following the annual NATO Summit at Presidential Complex in Ankara, Turkey on July 8, 2026; illustrative
A man rides a motorbike in the town of Abu al-Duhur, Syria, August 18, 2026

Why Syria’s removal from the US terror list matters for Israel - analysis

Israeli President Isaac Herzog (L) and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev (R) meet in Baku, Azerbaijan, May 2023.

Azerbaijan mediating between Israel, Turkey in effort to reduce Syria tensions

Four IAF F-16 aircraft participate in Operation Roaring Lion, March 5, 2026.

Israel and Turkey face a dangerous clash over Syria's future - analysis


The illusion of change in Iraq: Baghdad's militia shake-up masks a deeper Iranian strategy

BEHIND THE LINES: The decision by Zaidan’s allies to integrate their armed elements into state security forces represents an effort by a pro-Iranian element to consolidate its power.

Qais al-Khazali, head of the Iranian-backed Asaib Ahl al-Haq militia in Iraq, speaks during a rally last year in Baghdad to present the Sadiqoon Movement ahead of parliamentary elections.

Trump consolidates Middle East policy by appointing Special Envoy Barrack to Iraq, Syria - analysis

US Envoy Tom Barrack has played a key role in US policy in the Middle East over the past year. He was appointed Special Envoy to Syria last year. He is also the US Ambassador to Turkey.

 US ambassador to Turkey Thomas Barrack attends a meeting with US President Donald Trump and President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the Oval Office at the White House on September 25, 2025 in Washington.

Trump, Sharaa hold phone call, discuss lifting sanctions, importance of 'prioritizing diplomacy'

During the call, Sharaa said lifting the remaining US sanctions on Syria was an essential step toward reviving the Syrian economy and attracting investment, the statement said.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa addresses the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at the UN headquarters in New York, US, September 24, 2025.

Turkey eyes post-Iran Middle East as regional order shifts - analysis

It’s not clear whether Ankara is posing as a neutral power or seeking to portray itself as similar to most European and NATO powers that also remained outside the war.

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, accompanied by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, meets with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in Ankara, last April. Ankara is quietly assembling the architecture of permanent regional power, the writer says.

Tom Barrack leaves Syria envoy role after steering post-Assad outreach

A Lebanese-American real estate billionaire and longtime ally of US President Donald Trump, Barrack chaired Trump’s 2017 inauguration committee before taking on diplomatic responsibilities. 

US SPECIAL ENVOY for Syria Tom Barrack speaks at a news conference in Damascus in September 2025.

Kurdish-US partnership under strain amid regional rivalries, accusations - opinion

Kurdish leaders warn of rising mistrust with Washington amid accusations, regional rivalries, and fears of shifting US alliances in the Middle East.

Iranian Kurdish fighters from the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK) take part in a training session at a base on the outskirts of Erbil, Iraq February 12, 2026.

Will Trump envoy Tom Barrack defend Turkey’s policies toward Israel?

At the upcoming conference Barrack will face questions about Turkey’s policies, US strategy in the Middle East, and the future of Israel-Turkey relations.

US envoy Tom Barrack

Syria condemns UAE embassy attack, Gulf nations voice outrage over protests

Protests targeting the UAE Embassy in Damascus spark regional condemnation, with Gulf nations criticizing the attack as a violation of international law, while Syria seeks to restore UAE ties.

Men walk past the UAE Embassy in Damascus on December 12, 2024; illustrative.

Syria shows security, economic gains, UN council says, urging caution on Israel

This development shows some countries are beginning to change their approach to Syria, while still stressing the need to respect its sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

 Israel's Ambassador Danny Danon addresses during a meeting of the United Nations Security Council, following Israel’s attack on Iran, at U.N. headquarters in New York City, U.S., June 13, 2025.

Syria attempting to avoid regional conflict, Iran war as it navigates internal strife - analysis

Syria, now led by a new government headed by Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, has only recently emerged from a decade-long civil war following the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024.

A child stands next to a missile after it fell near Qamishli International Airport, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Qamishli, Syria, March 4, 2026.