US Secretary of State announced ending Tom Barrack’s mission as envoy to Syria
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the end of US Ambassador to Türkiye Tom Barrack’s tenure as Special Envoy to Syria, while simultaneously affirming his continued pivotal role in Middle East affairs.
Rubio clarified in a post on X that the end of his official assignment doesn’t signify Barrack’s withdrawal from the Syrian affair, indicating that he will continue working alongside the Trump administration on issues related to Syria and Iraq in the coming period.
The Secretary of State praised Barrack’s efforts during his time in office, noting that his political experience and extensive regional connections contributed to supporting Washington’s objectives and strengthening its diplomatic presence in the Middle East.
Tom Barrack, a Lebanese-American businessman and politician, assumed his post as US Ambassador to Türkiye in May 2015, concurrently with his appointment as Special Envoy for Syria.
During his tenure, Barrack played a prominent role in shaping US policy toward Syria following the political changes in Damascus, participating in efforts to support stability, encourage dialogue among local forces, and oversee the transitional phase and reconstruction.
He also oversaw the Lebanese issue as part of his regional responsibilities, and became known for his direct approach to negotiation and managing sensitive political issues, making him one of the most prominent American diplomatic figures in the region in recent years.
