Discussions aimed at calming hostilities along the Israel-Syria border are underway, with the U.S. stepping in to facilitate dialogues focused on economic development rather than traditional nation-building.
Israel and Syria Engage in U.S.-Facilitated Talks to Resolve Border Tensions
Israel and Syria Engage in U.S.-Facilitated Talks to Resolve Border Tensions
The U.S. seeks to facilitate economic cooperation in the Middle East as part of peace discussions between Israel and Syria.
July 3, 2025 - Amid ongoing tensions in the region, Syria and Israel have begun "meaningful" discussions aimed at addressing their border conflict, as announced by Thomas J. Barrack Jr., the U.S. ambassador to Turkey and special envoy for Syria. Mr. Barrack stated that these talks, driven by the U.S., prioritize economic development over the conventional approach of nation-building.
In a recent interview, Barrack indicated that the U.S. administration is keen on encouraging Syria to join the Abraham Accords, which established formal diplomatic ties between Israel and four Arab nations during the Trump administration. However, he highlighted potential internal challenges for Syria's newly appointed president, Ahmed al-Shara, emphasizing that he must navigate domestic expectations carefully. "He cannot be seen by his own people to be forced or coerced into the Abraham Accords," Barrack remarked, stressing the necessity for a gradual approach.
Mr. Barrack, who at 78 is in his first diplomatic role, has been tasked by former President Trump to realize a vision of a more peaceful Middle East through economic cooperation, including lucrative opportunities in sectors such as arms and artificial intelligence. Trump’s recent military actions against threats to Israel underline the U.S. commitment to regional stability, according to Barrack.
He characterized the Trump era's diplomatic strategy as a shift from previous American efforts in the region, which he described as "failed" attempts at enforcing specific governmental models. This new approach aims to foster economic prosperity while reducing conflict, providing a fresh perspective on diplomacy in the Middle East.
In a recent interview, Barrack indicated that the U.S. administration is keen on encouraging Syria to join the Abraham Accords, which established formal diplomatic ties between Israel and four Arab nations during the Trump administration. However, he highlighted potential internal challenges for Syria's newly appointed president, Ahmed al-Shara, emphasizing that he must navigate domestic expectations carefully. "He cannot be seen by his own people to be forced or coerced into the Abraham Accords," Barrack remarked, stressing the necessity for a gradual approach.
Mr. Barrack, who at 78 is in his first diplomatic role, has been tasked by former President Trump to realize a vision of a more peaceful Middle East through economic cooperation, including lucrative opportunities in sectors such as arms and artificial intelligence. Trump’s recent military actions against threats to Israel underline the U.S. commitment to regional stability, according to Barrack.
He characterized the Trump era's diplomatic strategy as a shift from previous American efforts in the region, which he described as "failed" attempts at enforcing specific governmental models. This new approach aims to foster economic prosperity while reducing conflict, providing a fresh perspective on diplomacy in the Middle East.
