Ambassador Tom Barrack is playing a key role in President Donald Trump’s efforts to foster peace and economic stability in the Middle East. Last week, he witnessed this firsthand during a visit to Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon alongside Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH). The administration is capitalizing on unique strategic opportunities in these regions, effectively countering the influence of Russia, China, and Iran while working toward ending prolonged conflicts and enhancing U.S. interests and regional security.
The downfall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December marked a significant shift in the Middle Eastern landscape, akin to the fall of the Berlin Wall. For years, Assad was a pivotal ally of Iran, contributing to the destabilization of Lebanon through Hezbollah and perpetuating regional conflicts. Today, Iran’s presence in Syria has diminished significantly, and diplomatic relations between Damascus and Tehran have been severed. With the disruption of Hezbollah’s weapons supply chain, Lebanon stands at a critical juncture for achieving peace and stability.
President Trump has strategically lifted sanctions and export restrictions, positioning formerly adversarial nations as potential partnerships without resorting to military force. This approach not only allows for Syria’s recovery but also encourages the return of millions of displaced Syrian refugees—around a million have already returned. It’s beneficial for both Europe and the U.S. as, with sanctions lifted, American businesses rather than Russian or Chinese interests can lead reconstruction efforts.
We appreciate the collaboration in this initiative, alongside Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Sen. Shaheen, and Rand Paul (R-KY), to push for bipartisan legislation supported by the Trump administration. However, attracting long-term investments in such unstable regions remains challenging due to the looming threat of renewed sanctions.
In contrast to previous misguided ideological interventions, President Trump’s approach is rooted in realism. His and former President Barack Obama’s strategies for integrating Syria are vital to U.S. national security. A fragmented Syria could lead to a resurgence of ISIS and Iranian influence. A stable and unified Syria, representing all communities, is essential for peace and regional stability, as Ambassador Barrack rightly pointed out; there’s really no viable alternative.
During discussions with diverse Syrian religious leaders near Damascus, including the Syrian Orthodox patriarch, their unified message was clear. They do not favor a divided Syria or renewed sanctions; instead, they seek a nation that upholds religious freedoms and represents all of its citizens. Rather than imposing governance with force, President Trump aims to foster peace through dialogue and economic growth, empowering Syrians to shape their own future.
At a meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Shaa, I supported Ambassador Barrack’s commitment to a unified Syrian state. I was also honored to meet with Commander Mazurum Abdi of the Syrian Democratic Army, along with Senator Shaheen, to advocate for negotiations that would lead to a single, inclusive Syrian government in Damascus. While challenges lie ahead, Barrack’s efforts might eventually pave the way for U.S. troops to return home.
A stable Syria is pivotal for the security of its ally, Israel. However, ongoing Israeli military actions in Syria threaten to disrupt this stability, creating opportunities for the return of ISIS and Iranian influence. Moreover, Russia has already begun to exploit these tensions, seeking to mediate the situation, which could further complicate things for the U.S.
This month witnessed a significant in-person meeting between Syrian and Israeli representatives, facilitated by Ambassador Barrack. Syrians are prepared to make progress with Israel toward peace, but it’s hard to tell how long this window of opportunity will last. Israel should immediately consider halting its military actions and withdrawing from contested areas to support the advancements made by the Syrians with Barrack’s assistance.
Developments in Syria will inevitably impact Lebanon. Trump and Barrack are pursuing an ambitious vision for Lebanon, pushing boundaries where past attempts have faltered. They are providing incentives for the disarmament of Hezbollah, which I was glad to discuss with Senator Shaheen and Ambassador Barrack. We met with key Lebanese officials to advance this initiative, as success could alleviate Hezbollah’s threat to Lebanon’s future, fostering long-term peace and prosperity.
The initiatives undertaken by Presidents Trump and Barrack in Syria and Lebanon hold significant potential to influence the broader landscape. This is not just beneficial for the region; it’s advantageous for the U.S., Israel, and the global community as a whole.
