U.S. Appoints Ambassador to Turkey as Special Envoy to Syria amid Policy Shift
His potential dual role—as both U.S. Ambassador to Ankara and Special Envoy to Syria—reflects a broader policy recalibration that positions Turkey as a key interlocutor in resolving Syria’s post-Assad landscape.
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The United States is set to appoint Thomas Barrack, its current ambassador to Turkey and a close confidant of President Donald Trump, as the new Special Envoy to Syria, according to a diplomatic source in Turkey who spoke to Reuters on Wednesday.
The move comes in the wake of President Trump’s landmark decision to lift U.S. sanctions on Syria, marking a notable pivot in Washington’s approach to the war-torn country and reflecting Turkey’s growing regional influence following the ouster of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad late last year.
A Trusted Diplomat and Presidential Ally
Barrack’s nomination is seen as a signal of Trump’s intent to delegate Syria policy to a seasoned figure with deep personal and professional ties to the administration.
On Tuesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that he had authorized embassy personnel in Ankara, including Barrack, to “engage with local officials in Syria to understand what assistance is most needed.”
Barrack, a fluent speaker of Arabic, French, and Spanish, brings decades of experience in both diplomatic and financial spheres. He is the grandson of Lebanese immigrants and holds a bachelor’s degree and law doctorate from the University of Southern California, as well as a law degree from the University of San Diego.
Career Spanning Diplomacy, Finance, and Global Influence
Barrack began his career as a financial attorney at a major international law firm and later worked in Europe and the Middle East. He served in high-level government roles, including as Deputy Undersecretary of the Interior under President Ronald Reagan in 1982.
In 2016, he chaired the 58th Presidential Inaugural Committee under President Trump, further solidifying his role as a trusted figure within the Trump inner circle.
Barrack is also the founder and former CEO of Colony Capital—now known as DigitalBridge—a global private equity investment firm headquartered in Los Angeles. The firm is considered one of the largest digital infrastructure investors in the world, with nearly $80 billion in assets under management across 19 countries.
In recognition of his service, Barrack was awarded France’s prestigious Legion of Honour by former President Nicolas Sarkozy.
Confirmation and Ankara Posting
Trump nominated Barrack as U.S. Ambassador to Turkey in March 2025. His appointment was swiftly confirmed by the U.S. Senate in April, underscoring bipartisan trust in his capabilities and international expertise.
His potential dual role—as both U.S. Ambassador to Ankara and Special Envoy to Syria—reflects a broader policy recalibration that positions Turkey as a key interlocutor in resolving Syria’s post-Assad landscape.
