What's happened
On May 29, 2025, US envoy Thomas Barrack raised the American flag in Damascus, marking a significant thaw in US-Syria relations. This visit follows President Trump's announcement to lift sanctions on Syria, aiming to support the new government led by Ahmed al-Sharaa after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. Barrack's trip signals a shift in US policy towards Syria.
What's behind the headline?
Key Insights
- Significant Diplomatic Shift: Barrack's visit and the raising of the flag symbolize a major change in US foreign policy towards Syria, indicating a willingness to engage with the new government.
- Sanctions Relief: The lifting of sanctions aims to stabilize Syria and encourage international investment, as evidenced by a recent $7 billion deal for electricity production.
- Regional Dynamics: The US's renewed interest in Syria is influenced by allies like Saudi Arabia and Turkey, suggesting a broader strategy to counter radicalism and improve regional stability.
- Future Implications: This engagement could lead to further normalization of relations between Syria and the West, impacting the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East. The success of this approach will depend on the new government's ability to maintain stability and distance itself from its past affiliations.
What the papers say
According to the New York Times, Barrack's visit marks the first official US engagement in Syria in over a decade, with Barrack stating, "America’s intent and the president’s vision is that we have to give this young government a chance."
The Independent highlights that the US has shown increasing openness to Syria's new leaders, with Trump emphasizing the potential for cooperation to "stop Radicalism, improve Relations, and secure Peace in the Middle East."
AP News notes that the US has begun to roll back decades of sanctions, reflecting a significant policy shift encouraged by regional allies. This change is seen as a response to the new leadership in Syria, which has distanced itself from its past affiliations with extremist groups.
How we got here
US-Syria relations have been strained since 2011 due to the civil war and Assad's regime. The US closed its embassy in 2012 and imposed sanctions. Following Assad's ousting in December 2024, the Trump administration has begun to engage with Syria's new leadership, signaling a potential shift in policy.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of lifting sanctions on Syria?
- How has the Syrian government responded to US engagement?
- What does this mean for US relations with other Middle Eastern countries?
Common question
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What Does the US Flag Raising in Syria Mean for Relations?
On May 29, 2025, the US raised its flag in Damascus for the first time in over a decade, signaling a significant shift in US-Syria relations. This event raises many questions about the implications of this diplomatic move, especially following the ousting of Bashar Assad. Here are some common questions and answers regarding this pivotal moment in international relations.
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What Does the US Lifting Sanctions on Syria Mean for the Region?
The recent decision by the US to lift sanctions on Syria marks a pivotal moment in US-Syria relations. With the appointment of a new government under Ahmed al-Sharaa and the visit of US envoy Thomas Barrack to Damascus, many are left wondering about the implications of these changes. What does this mean for the future of the region, and how will it affect ongoing tensions?
More on these topics
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Syria, officially the Syrian Arab Republic, is a country in Western Asia, bordering Lebanon to the southwest, the Mediterranean Sea to the west, Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, and Israel to the southwest.
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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Bashar Hafez al-Assad is a Syrian politician who has been the President of Syria since 17 July 2000. In addition, he is commander-in-chief of the Syrian Armed Forces and Regional Secretary of the Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party's branch in Syria.
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Thomas Joseph Barrack Jr. is an American private equity real estate investor and the founder and executive chairman of publicly traded REIT Colony Capital. Barrack has been a close friend and ally of former U.S. President Donald Trump and has represented
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.