A U.S. envoy warned Tuesday that Syria could fracture into warring fiefdoms “worse than Libya” unless President Ahmed al‑Sharaa swiftly broadens his goverment to include sectarian minorities and reins in hard‑line Islamist policies.
Thomas Barrack, Washington’s special representative for Syria, said in an interview that he privately urged Sharaa to restore elements of the pre‑war army, curb religious indoctrination and seek outside security help. Without rapid reforms, Barrack cautioned, Sharaa risks squandering “the energy of the universe that was behind him” when he toppled Bashar al‑Assad last December.
“He can grow as a president and say: ‘My old theme isn’t working; I need to adapt,’” Barrack told the Reuters in Beirut.
Sectarian flashpoint
Hundreds have been killed this month in Sweida province, where clashes erupted July 13 between Druze militias, Sunni Bedouin tribes and government forces. Israel carried out airstrikes it said were meant to prevent mass killings of Druze civilians.
Barrack denied reports that Syrian troops committed abuses against Druze communities, alleging that Islamic State fighters may have posed as government soldiers in videos circulating online.
“The army hasn’t even entered the city,” he said, adding that Damascus and Jerusalem reached an understanding to keep regular units out of the southwest.
Fragile cease‑fire, uncertain future
A U.S.‑brokered truce halted the fighting last week, but Barrack warned there is “no plan B” if Sharaa’s Islamist‑led administration collapses. Asked if Syria could devolve like Libya or Afghanistan, he replied: “Yes, or even worse.”
Israel brands Sharaa’s government a militant threat and has vowed to keep Syrian troops away from its border. Barrack said Washington is urging dialogue and stands ready to mediate Israeli concerns.
Sharaa, a onetime al‑Qaida affiliate commander, seized power promising to protect minorities. Those assurances faltered after mass killings of Alawites in March and the recent Druze‑Bedouin violence.
Barrack said the United States is not dictating Syria’s political end‑state, only insisting on “stability, unity, fairness and inclusion.”
“If Syrians choose a federal model, that’s their decision,” he said. “Everyone must now adapt.”