ByTHE MEDIA LINE STAFF

MAY 31, 2026 14:07

Updated: MAY 31, 2026 14:08

US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack is concluding his assignment as the Trump administration advances toward complete diplomatic ties with Damascus.

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Barrack, named to the post in May 2025 after Washington revealed plans to ease major sanctions on Damascus, served as envoy while retaining his post as US ambassador to Turkey.

Earlier this year the Associated Press reported that lawmakers learned of the State Department's intent to pursue a phased approach toward possibly resuming embassy operations in Syria, suggesting Barrack may be departing to facilitate the reopening of the closed embassy in Damascus.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted on X that Barrack's time as special envoy was ending and indicated the designation would not be extended.

Ambassador Tom Barrack has played an invaluable role as our Special Envoy to Syria, he wrote.

While that title is expiring, he will continue to play a leading role for the Trump Administration in both Syria and Iraq, where his expertise, relationships, and understanding of the America First agenda will continue to deliver wins on behalf of our great country, Rubio added.

Barrack's accomplishments as envoy

A Lebanese-American real estate billionaire and longtime ally of US President Donald Trump, Barrack chaired Trump's 2017 inauguration committee before taking on diplomatic responsibilities.

During his time as special envoy, Barrack contributed to key elements of US policy toward Syria after the fall of Bashar Assad. His efforts covered sanctions relief, reconstruction projects involving Turkey and Gulf states, and joint action against the Islamic State terror group.

He also participated in talks between the Syrian government and Kurdish-led forces while backing efforts to stabilize the administration of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and expand US diplomatic contacts with Damascus.

After meeting Sharaa in Damascus on May 17, Barrack described Syria as a laboratory for a new regional alliance based on diplomacy, integration, and hope for the entire region.

Criticism of Barrack's tenure

His tenure also faced criticism. In Lebanon, comments urging journalists to act in a civilized rather than animalistic manner at a news conference drew backlash. Syrian-Kurdish leaders accused him of an overly pro-Damascus stance and pressuring Kurdish groups to accept terms favored by al-Sharaa.

Barrack was the fourth US special envoy to Syria in the past 12 years. The United States has not named an ambassador to Syria since Stephen Ford, who served from December 2011 to February 2014.