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

US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack is concluding his role, a move that aligns with the Trump administration's gradual normalization of diplomatic relations with Damascus. Barrack, who was appointed in May 2025, served as envoy while also holding the position of US ambassador to Turkey. His departure signals a potential shift as the State Department has informed lawmakers of its "intent to implement a phased approach to potentially resume embassy operations in Syria."

Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed Barrack's tenure as special envoy is ending and indicated the designation would not be renewed. "Ambassador Tom Barrak has played an invaluable role as our Special Envoy to Syria," Rubio stated on X/Twitter. "While that title is expiring, he will continue to play a leading role for the Trump Administration in both Syria and Iraq, where his expertise, relationships, and understanding of the America First agenda will continue to deliver wins on behalf of our great country."

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Ambassador Tom Barrak has played an invaluable role as our Special Envoy to Syria. While that title is expiring, he will continue to play a leading role for the Trump Administration in both Syria and Iraq, where his expertise, relationships, and understanding of the America First agenda will continue to deliver wins on behalf of our great country.

Barrack, a Lebanese-American real estate billionaire and long-time ally of former President Donald Trump, chaired Trump’s 2017 inauguration committee before taking on his diplomatic responsibilities. As special envoy, he was instrumental in key aspects of US policy toward Syria following the fall of Bashar Assad. His work encompassed overseeing efforts related to sanctions relief, reconstruction initiatives involving Turkey and Gulf states, and cooperation against the Islamic State terror group. He also facilitated discussions between the Syrian government and Kurdish-led forces, supporting stabilization efforts under Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and broadening US diplomatic engagement.

Despite his contributions, Barrack's tenure was not without criticism. In Lebanon, remarks he made during a news conference urging journalists to behave in a "civilized" manner sparked backlash. Syrian-Kurdish leaders also accused him of adopting an excessively "pro-Damascus" stance and pressuring Kurdish groups to accept terms set by al-Sharaa. Barrack is the fourth US special envoy to Syria in twelve years, a position that has seen frequent changes since the US has not appointed an ambassador to Syria since Stephen Ford, who served from December 2011 to February 2014.

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a laboratory for a new regional alliance based on diplomacy, integration, and hope for the entire region.