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.

|BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
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

It's one thing for Israel to take military action in a country that the US has formally labeled a state sponsor of terrorism. It's quite another to do so after the US has removed that designation.

|ByHERB KEINON
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

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev initiated direct dialogue between Israel and Turkey a year ago, resulting in an operational coordination mechanism intended to prevent conflict in Syria.

|ByTHE MEDIA LINE STAFF
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

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani rejected claims that Turkey intended to establish a military base at Abu al-Duhur, saying the site was being restored for use by the Syrian Air Force.

|ByGIORGIA VALENTE/THE MEDIA LINE

Israel's Dermer to meet Syrian FM, US envoy Barrack in Paris to discuss southern Syria

Dermer will also discuss the upcoming Iranian nuclear negotiations with European officials, ahead of the talks between European nations and Iran that will take place in Istanbul.

JULY 24, 2025ByAMICHAI STEIN, JERUSALEM POST STAFF, REUTERS
Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer; illustrative.

US warns Syria's Sharaa that 'there is no plan B for his government'

US envoy to Syria Thomas Barrack warned Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa that the country needs to recalibrate its policies, pointing out there is "no plan B."

JULY 22, 2025ByREUTERS
Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa attends an interview with Reuters at the presidential palace, in Damascus, Syria March 10, 2025.

US tries to claw back influence in Middle East after crisis in Syria - analysis

US Special Envoy to Syria Ambassador Thomas J. Barrack has been under a spotlight in the last two weeks as US policy continues to face challenges.

JULY 22, 2025BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
US special envoy for Syria, the ambassador to Turkey Thomas Barrack attends a flag-raising ceremony at the US ambassador's residence in Damascus on May 29, 2025 for the first time since 2011.