U.S. Envoy: Syria’s Terror Delisting Tied to Sharaa’s Political Stance
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – The U.S. envoy to Syria, Thomas Barak, said on Thursday that the United States will not consider removing Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism unless significant changes are observed under the leadership of Syrian Transitional President Ahmad al-Sharaa.
Speaking to a group of journalists in Damascus, Barak emphasized that Washington is closely watching the developments in Syria and that any change in designation depends on the new government’s actions. “The situation is still evolving, and much will depend on what President al-Sharaa does next,” Barak stated.
He also described Israeli involvement in Syria as a complicating factor, adding that “no mutual understanding has yet been reached between Syria and Israel, which continues to delay progress.”
Last week, Barak posted on X (formerly Twitter) that U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to lift some sanctions on Syria was a “preliminary step” aimed at giving Syrians “an opportunity to move past years of suffering and unspeakable atrocities.”
Barak said the international community had responded with cautious optimism, expressing tentative support for the transitional government in Damascus. “There was hope for a new future,” he said, “but this fragile ambition is now overshadowed by the brutal acts committed by warring factions, which continue to undermine the authority of the government and shake any semblance of order.”
The U.S. envoy revealed that he had advised President al-Sharaa to reconsider his internal policies, including military restructuring and limiting the influence of what he described as “hardline elements,” in order to prevent national fragmentation and retain international backing.
Barak also addressed the recent killing of U.S. citizen Hossam Saraya, a Syrian-American who was reportedly executed along with seven family members in the southern city of al-Suwayda. He said the Syrian transitional government is cooperating with an ongoing investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
“We will identify those responsible, and anyone found complicit will be held accountable,” he asserted.
Earlier this month, the U.S. State Department called on the Syrian government to conduct an immediate and transparent investigation into Saraya’s death. The department also confirmed it had held direct discussions with Syrian authorities regarding the case.
Barak’s remarks come at a time when Syria’s transitional leadership is under increasing scrutiny, both for its domestic conduct and its efforts to re-engage with the international community.
As of Thursday, no official timeline has been given regarding Syria’s potential removal from the terrorism list, with U.S. officials stressing that further action will depend on verifiable progress in reforms and security cooperation.