Thomas J. Barrack Jr., the U.S. ambassador to Turkey, says Washington is facilitating the discussions and prioritizing economic development over nation-building in the Middle East.
Syria and Israel are engaged in “meaningful” talks through the United States that aim to restore calm along their border, according to Thomas J. Barrack Jr., one of President Trump’s key envoys to the Middle East.
Mr. Barrack, the U.S. ambassador to Turkey and special envoy for Syria, said in an interview with The New York Times that the administration wanted Syria to join the Abraham Accords, which established diplomatic relations between Israel and four Arab states during Mr. Trump’s first term. But Mr. Barrack cautioned that this could take time because Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Shara, could face resistance at home.
“He cannot be seen by his own people to be forced or coerced into the Abraham Accords,” Mr. Barrack said. “So he has to work slowly.”
Mr. Trump tapped Mr. Barrack, an old friend and private equity investor, to help realize his vision for the Middle East, which the administration hopes will foster less conflict and more prosperity.
Mr. Trump made clear during his Mideast visit in May that lucrative business deals in sectors including arms and artificial intelligence were his priority, and his decision to bomb nuclear enrichment facilities in Iran last month showed his support for Israel and willingness to use force against American foes.
Mr. Barrack called the administration’s approach a departure from previous “failed” American attempts at “nation building” and from past efforts to shape how other governments rule.
