US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack will step down from his formal envoy position following the end of his mandate, but will continue to play a central role in shaping US policy on Syria and Iraq, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said. Barrack, a billionaire real estate investor and longtime ally of President Donald Trump, has served as Washington’s key Syria envoy since May 2025 while also acting as US ambassador to Türkiye. According to Rubio, although the title is expiring, Barrack’s influence and responsibilities in the region will continue under a broader strategic role. “Ambassado

US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack will step down from his formal envoy position following the end of his mandate, but will continue to play a central role in shaping US policy on Syria and Iraq, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said. Barrack, a billionaire real estate investor and longtime ally of President Donald Trump, has served as Washington’s key Syria envoy since May 2025 while also acting as US ambassador to Türkiye. According to Rubio, although the title is expiring, Barrack’s influence and responsibilities in the region will continue under a broader strategic role. “Ambassador Tom Barrack has played an invaluable role as our Special Envoy to Syria,” Rubio wrote on X, adding that Barrack would remain central to US efforts in Syria, Iraq and Türkiye. “His expertise, relationships, and understanding of the America First agenda will continue to deliver wins,” he said. Continued influence despite title change Analysts say the change is largely symbolic. Nanar Hawach of the International Crisis Group told Al Jazeera that Barrack had already been coordinating Syria, Iraq and Türkiye policy, meaning the transition “changes little in practice” and signals continuity rather than a policy reset. During his tenure, Barrack oversaw a major shift in US policy following the post-Assad transition under interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. He also pushed for easing sanctions on Damascus and coordinated counter-IS operations with regional partners including Türkiye and Gulf states. Controversy and criticism Barrack’s diplomatic approach has drawn scrutiny and criticism. His role in mediating a ceasefire and integration agreement between Damascus and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) was welcomed by some actors but sharply rejected by Kurdish leaders, who accused Washington of abandoning its allies. He has also faced backlash over controversial remarks, including comments in Lebanon urging journalists to act “civilised” rather than “animalistic,” and statements suggesting authoritarian systems may be better suited for parts of the Middle East than democracy. Despite criticism, Barrack remains a key figure in US regional strategy, with officials signaling that his influence over Syria and Iraq policy is set to continue.

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