Washington/Ankara: The recent Iran-Israel war has shifted the diplomatic landscape in the Middle East, with US Special Envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, calling for peace agreements between Israel, Syria, and Lebanon as essential steps toward lasting regional stability.
Speaking to Turkey’s Anadolu Agency, Barrack said:
“President Ahmed al-Sharaa has indicated that he doesn’t hate Israel… and that he wants peace on that border. I think that will also happen with Lebanon. It’s a necessity to have an agreement with Israel.”
New Path After Conflict
The US envoy believes the post-war environment has opened a new window of opportunity for peace talks. He emphasized that normalizing ties with Israel would be crucial not only for economic and security reasons but also to prevent future escalations.
Sharaa Signals Willingness
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s remarks suggesting a willingness to coexist peacefully with Israel mark a potential shift in tone, especially considering decades of hostility and unresolved territorial disputes involving the Golan Heights.
Barrack also hinted that Lebanon could follow a similar path, stressing that border peace is in the interest of all nations involved.
A Regional Reset
As diplomatic channels cautiously reopen following the Iran-Israel confrontation, the US is positioning itself to mediate and encourage peaceful resolutions across long-standing conflict zones.
This statement from Barrack adds momentum to a broader push for a new era of Middle East diplomacy, potentially reshaping alliances and reducing tensions that have persisted for generations.