U.S. envoy for Syria warns of rising risks, urges regional dialogue
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – U.S. Special Envoy for Syria, Thomas Barrack, issued on Tuesday a stark warning, saying the situation in Syria is becoming dangerously volatile.
Speaking in a private interview with Reuters from Beirut, Barrack revealed he urged Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa to reevaluate key elements of the country’s military leadership and seek regional security support.
He added that he advised al-Sharaa to reassess the structure and leadership of the armed forces noting that without swift and meaningful changes, he [al-Sharaa] risks losing the momentum that once propelled him to power.
Barrack also emphasized the importance of inclusivity in the formation of Syria’s new government, particularly regarding minority communities, saying that the government must adopt a more inclusive approach if it hopes to maintain national cohesion.
He warned that without proactive political and military reforms, Syria could face scenarios similar to the collapses witnessed in Libya and Afghanistan—or even worse.
Barak also indicated that the Syrian president expressed a willingness to normalize relations with Israel, reiterating that “Israel is not our enemy” and signaling openness to formal diplomatic ties when the time is right.