Tom Barrack

Syria condemns UAE embassy attack, Gulf nations voice outrage over protests

Protests targeting the UAE Embassy in Damascus spark regional condemnation, with Gulf nations criticizing the attack as a violation of international law, while Syria seeks to restore UAE ties.

|BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Men walk past the UAE Embassy in Damascus on December 12, 2024; illustrative.
Israel's Ambassador Danny Danon addresses during a meeting of the United Nations Security Council, following Israel’s attack on Iran, at U.N. headquarters in New York City, U.S., June 13, 2025.

Syria shows security, economic gains, UN council says, urging caution on Israel

This development shows some countries are beginning to change their approach to Syria, while still stressing the need to respect its sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

|ByRIZIK ALABI/THE MEDIA LINE
A child stands next to a missile after it fell near Qamishli International Airport, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Qamishli, Syria, March 4, 2026.

Syria attempting to avoid regional conflict, Iran war as it navigates internal strife - analysis

Syria, now led by a new government headed by Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, has only recently emerged from a decade-long civil war following the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024.

|BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
A drone view shows oil tankers loading crude oil at the Basra Oil Terminal in Iraqi territorial waters, off the coast of Basra, Iraq, August 5, 2025. REUTERS/Mohammed Aty

Iraq turns to Kurdistan pipeline as Iran war chokes oil exports and economy - analysis

Baghdad has been seeking a deal to move oil through the Kurdistan Region to Turkey, but the Kurds want Iraq to lift the trade embargo it has imposed on the territory.

|BySETH J. FRANTZMAN

US warns Syria's Sharaa that 'there is no plan B for his government'

US envoy to Syria Thomas Barrack warned Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa that the country needs to recalibrate its policies, pointing out there is "no plan B."

JULY 22, 2025ByREUTERS
Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa attends an interview with Reuters at the presidential palace, in Damascus, Syria March 10, 2025.

US tries to claw back influence in Middle East after crisis in Syria - analysis

US Special Envoy to Syria Ambassador Thomas J. Barrack has been under a spotlight in the last two weeks as US policy continues to face challenges.

JULY 22, 2025BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
US special envoy for Syria, the ambassador to Turkey Thomas Barrack attends a flag-raising ceremony at the US ambassador's residence in Damascus on May 29, 2025 for the first time since 2011.