Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, right, receives the American special envoy for Syria, Thomas Barrack, in Damascus, on May 29, 2025. (Credit: AFP/SANA)
As Damascus claims that talks between Syria and Israel on a security pact could conclude "within days," we invite you to reread this article, originally published on May 31, 2025.During a surprise visit to Damascus on Thursday, the Trump administration’s new special envoy for Syria, Thomas Barrack, floated the idea of a “non-aggression pact” between Syria and Israel — a notable shift from the White House’s previous push for full diplomatic normalization.Just two weeks earlier, on May 14 in Riyadh, President Donald Trump publicly urged Syria’s new leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, to normalize ties with Tel Aviv. According to American and Saudi officials, Sharaa expressed openness to that goal. But Barrack’s latest message reflects a more measured ambition. “Our message to everyone is that the Middle East has been misunderstood and...
As Damascus claims that talks between Syria and Israel on a security pact could conclude "within days," we invite you to reread this article, originally published on May 31, 2025.During a surprise visit to Damascus on Thursday, the Trump administration’s new special envoy for Syria, Thomas Barrack, floated the idea of a “non-aggression pact” between Syria and Israel — a notable shift from the White House’s previous push for full diplomatic normalization.Just two weeks earlier, on May 14 in Riyadh, President Donald Trump publicly urged Syria’s new leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, to normalize ties with Tel Aviv. According to American and Saudi officials, Sharaa expressed openness to that goal. But Barrack’s latest message reflects a more measured ambition. “Our message to everyone is that the Middle East has been...
Israel continues attacks on southern Lebanon, demolishes buildings in Bint Jbeil