Trump envoy praises new Syrian president for ‘counter-ISIS measures’
The GuardianSunday, May 25, 2025 at 12:05:38 AM
Donald Trump’s longtime ally and current U.S. envoy to Syria, Thomas Barrack, met with Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, in Istanbul and commended him for steps taken against ISIS. Barrack also highlighted the temporary lifting of U.S. sanctions on Syria—a rare move since 1979—as a way to "preserve the integrity" of ongoing efforts. The meeting signals a potential shift in U.S. policy toward Syria, though details remain sparse.
Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another diplomatic handshake—it’s a hint at possible thawing tensions between the U.S. and Syria, at least for now. The praise for counter-ISIS actions suggests cooperation on shared security goals, while the sanctions pause could ease humanitarian or economic pressures. But given Syria’s complex politics and the U.S.’s historically firm stance, it’s worth watching whether this is a one-off gesture or the start of a bigger change.
— Curated via WP Now’s
