Tom Barrack conducts high-level diplomatic meetings in Turkey

Tom Barrack, the U.S. Ambassador and special envoy for Syria and Iraq, conducted a series of high-level diplomatic meetings in Turkey to discuss regional security and post-war architecture in the Middle East.

On September 8, Barrack and Republican Representative Darrell Issa met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. This occurred alongside discussions involving Syrian Foreign Minister Bassam Sabban, suggesting a framework for triangular dialogue between Washington, Ankara, and Damascus regarding regional developments.

On September 9, Barrack met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the presidential complex. Following the meeting, Barrack emphasized the strength of the U.S.-Turkey alliance, describing the two nations as NATO allies, economic partners, and friends. While the meetings focused on coordinating priorities in Syria and Iraq, no specific agreements or decisions were publicly disclosed.

The diplomatic activity also serves to solidify Barrack’s role as a key architect of U.S. policy in the region, amid previous speculation regarding potential leadership changes in the State Department.