Tom Barrack expresses his opinion on the Sykes-Picot Agreement and Western intervention in the Middle East
US Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack asserted that Western interference in Middle Eastern affairs is a thing of the past, emphasizing that the future is moving toward regional solutions and partnerships based on mutual respect and cooperation.
In a post on X, Barrack said, “A hundred years ago, Western powers-imposed maps, borders, and mandates on the region, drawn up behind closed doors without regard for the reality of the people… The Sykes-Picot Agreement divided Syria and the wider region out of imperial ambitions, not to achieve peace… Successive generations have paid a heavy price for this historic mistake, and we in America won’t repeat it”.
He added, “The era of Western intervention is over… The future depends on solutions that come from within the region itself, through sincere partnerships, and diplomacy based on respect… As President Donald Trump said in his speech in Riyadh on May 13, the era of Western lectures on how to manage the affairs of the Middle East is over”.
Barrack emphasized that Syria’s tragedy was born out of divisions, but its revival must stem from national dignity, unity, and a genuine investment in the Syrian people.
He noted that this revival begins with openness, accountability, and regional cooperation, rather than diversionary policies.
He pointed out that the United States, along with Türkiye, the Gulf states, and European countries, supports the Syrian people directly, not through military interventions or the imposition of artificial borders.
He said, “Today, with the fall of the Assad regime, the door to peace has opened… By lifting sanctions, we can give Syrians a real opportunity to explore a new path toward security and prosperity”.
In a related context, Barrack commended the steps taken by Syrian transitional President Ahmed al Sharaa, particularly regarding combating terrorism and dealing with the issue of foreign fighters, in addition to strengthening relations with Israel.
Barrack met with the Syrian President and Foreign Minister Asaad al Shaibani during an official visit to Türkiye, where the two sides discussed prospects for future cooperation and efforts to achieve stability in Syria and the region.
