U.S. urges restraint in Aleppo, calls for peace amid regional progress
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Ambassador Tom Barrack, U.S. Special Envoy to Syria, expressed on Thursday deep concern over recent violence in the Kurdish Ashrafiyeh and Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhoods of Aleppo, urging all parties involved to exercise restraint and prioritize the protection of civilian lives and property
Barrack highlighted the historic strides Syria has made in recent months towards stability, national reconciliation, and reconstruction, underscoring the importance of maintaining peace in the face of regional challenges.
He emphasized the transformative progress Syria has achieved since the end of its brutal conflict, with the latest diplomatic developments signaling a potential breakthrough in regional peace.
“This week’s landmark discussions with Israeli representatives mark a pivotal step toward broader regional peace, furthering Syria’s commitment to break the cycle of violence and atrocity,” Barrack said.
“Syria has endured more than half a century of conflict,” Barrack added. “Profound transformations cannot happen overnight, but we remain firm in our commitment to a Syria where all citizens—whether Sunni, Kurd, Druze, Christian, Alawite, or any other group—enjoy equal rights and protection under the law.”
The envoy noted to the nearly completed March 10, 2025 integration agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Syrian transitional government as a significant milestone. This accord, which aims to strengthen security coordination and promote national unity, represents a crucial opportunity for long-term peace and stability in Syria.
However, Barrack stressed that achieving such goals will require patience, tolerance, and a collective effort across all segments of Syrian society.
He called on all parties—including the Syrian transitional government, the SDF, Kurdish authorities, and armed groups on the ground—to immediately de-escalate tensions and prioritize dialogue over conflict.
“We must put aside the exchange of fire and focus on constructive proposals for Syria’s future,” Barrack stated. “The future of Aleppo, and Syria as a whole, belongs to its people, and it must be shaped through peaceful means.”
At this critical moment, Barrack also called on the region’s leadership to stand united against external forces and their proxies, who seek to destabilize the hard-won peace achieved over the past year. “Their aim is renewed instability; ours is lasting peace grounded in mutual respect and shared prosperity.”
The U.S. envoy concluded by reaffirming America’s continued commitment to supporting Syria’s transition towards a cooperative, peaceful future, encouraging all stakeholders to embrace a path of reconciliation and cooperation.
“Syria’s new chapter is one of cooperation, not confrontation,” Barrack concluded. “We will reach it together.”