Michael Hernandez
28 May 2025•Update: 28 May 2025
WASHINGTON
US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that the man he tapped to be the US' new envoy to Syria understands the "great potential in working with" the country as it emerges from decades of Assad regime rule.
"I am pleased to announce that our United States Ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barrack, will be serving as our Envoy to Syria," Trump said in a social media post.
"Tom understands there is great potential in working with Syria to stop Radicalism, improve Relations, and secure Peace in the Middle East. Together, we will Make America, and the World, SAFE AGAIN!" he added.
The US lifted "brutal and crippling" sanctions on Syria last Friday that were imposed during the Assad family's decades-long rule. Trump announced his officials would be taking the action upon requests from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Trump met last month with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh during his trip to the kingdom. The historic sit-down marked the first meeting between US and Syrian leaders in 25 years. Former President Bill Clinton met with Hafez al-Assad in Geneva in 2000.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers last week that Washington supports efforts to help the new Syrian government succeed, warning that failure could lead to further war and regional instability
