Just weeks ago, U.S. envoy Tom Barrack told reporters that America was done with “nation-building” in the Middle East. “We will not repeat the mistake of Sykes-Picot,” he said, in reference to the colonial-era blueprint that divided the region.
But Barrack’s recent diplomatic activity tells a different story.
From proposing the makeup of Syria’s next government to floating peace deals involving Lebanon and Israel, and positioning Turkey as a mediator between Iran and the West, Barrack has not stepped back — he’s stepped up. What’s emerged is not a retreat from intervention, but a shift in strategy: the U.S. is no longer building nations. It is now shaping entire regions.
From declarations to design
In early June, Barrack emphasized that Washington would not interfere in Syria’s sovereignty. Yet just days later, he stated the Syrian Democratic Forces should be “integrated into a new governing structure,” and praised former HTS militant and current interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa as a “credible partner” for peace.
The envoy’s ambitions expanded further during a recent interview with Anadolu Ajansı, in which he said the recent Iran–Israel conflict offers an “opportunity” to redefine the region’s political map. “Israel needs to be redefined,” Barrack said, adding that Turkey is key to mediating between Iran and Israel.
He also called for a resumed push on the Abraham Accords, including potential normalization between Israel and Syria and Lebanon. “President al-Sharaa doesn’t hate Israel,” Barrack said. “I think that [peace] will also happen with Lebanon. It’s a necessity.”
Regional commentary, growing U.S. involvement
In recent weeks, Barrack has:
Urged Lebanon to join the normalization framework;
Warned Hezbollah against entering any future conflict, calling such a move “a very, very, very bad decision”;
Suggested Gaza could serve as the new foundation for Israeli-Arab diplomacy;
Indicated that U.S. sanctions on Turkey over its Russian S-400 purchase could be resolved by year’s end, possibly paving the way for Turkey’s return to the F-35 program.
These remarks, taken together, point to a widening scope of U.S. involvement under the guise of stabilization and diplomacy — what many analysts are calling “region-shaping.”
Criticism over Barrack’s qualifications
Barrack’s elevated role has sparked scrutiny, particularly over his background. A real estate billionaire with no diplomatic experience, he is a longtime associate of President Donald Trump.
In 2022, he was acquitted on charges of unlawfully lobbying for the UAE — but the trial raised fresh concerns about his suitability for public service.
“Tom Barrack may know how to develop resorts,” said one U.S. foreign policy analyst, “but designing post-war governments and managing regional peace talks requires a very different skill set.”
His comments about peace frameworks, defense sales, and cross-border diplomacy have led some observers to question whether his role is policy-driven — or personal.
The Sudan Times Verdict: Tom Barrack’s statements about ending nation-building do not match the scope of his current diplomacy. From Syria to Lebanon, and with Turkey as a central axis, his actions suggest a new U.S. approach — one focused on shaping regional alignments, not staying on the sidelines.
Most alarming however is his lack of understanding of the region and “suggestions and ideas” which are light years away from the realities on the ground.