Tom Barrack, the U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Special Representative for Syria, made significant remarks during a live broadcast on Habertürk TV regarding current issues. “THE AGE OF MILITARY INTERVENTION IS OVER” Emphasizing the integration process in Syria, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Turkey-U.S. relations, and the F-35/S-400 disagreement, Barrack stated, “The era of military intervention has concluded; it’s time for everyone to stand on their own feet.” He highlighted that U.S. President Donald Trump’s foreign policy is based on the principle of “peace and prosperity through strength.” Barrack asserted that the U.S. would not revert to nation-building or regime-change policies, stating, “Our president has clearly indicated: That is not on my agenda. I will not approach the world in that manner.”
“THE U.S. CAN GUIDE BUT CANNOT ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY” Barrack mentioned the importance of learning from history and assessed the region through the lens of the “Ottoman millet system,” indicating that the U.S. would now play a solely guiding role. “America can offer guidance, show direction, and assist, but it cannot take on responsibility,” he noted, likening this approach to a child growing up: “At some point, that child must gain their independence.”
“INTEGRATION IN SYRIA IS AHEAD” Regarding the future of forces in northern Syria, Barrack commented, “Mazlum Abdi is managing the process quite responsibly. Yes, integration will occur.” He emphasized that while this process will take time, no definitive timeline has been established yet, although there has been an expression of intent from the parties involved. Barrack noted that the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are engaged in a positive dialogue with the Syrian government for integration, acknowledging Turkey’s constructive contribution to the process. He also mentioned that local conflicts between Druze and Bedouins in Sweida have escalated, creating a backdrop for Israeli attacks on Damascus, stating, “This is no longer just a village dispute. Misunderstandings have arisen, and even the Israeli palace has begun to be bombed.”
“GAZA CANNOT BE RECOGNIZED WITHOUT A CEASEFIRE BY HAMAS” On the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Barrack differentiated between his personal and professional perspectives, saying, “I feel like crying when I see images of children dying from starvation.” However, he affirmed that the U.S. stance remains clear: “Palestine will not be recognized until Hamas declares a ceasefire. Our president and Secretary of State have been very explicit about this.”
CRITICAL F-35 REMARKS Talking about Turkey’s exclusion from the F-35 program and the S-400 tensions, Barrack indicated that both sides are focused on finding a resolution. “We will find a solution. This issue dates back to 2017. We are now in a very different context. We will arrive at a middle ground,” he stated. Barrack added that Turkey should not only be a defense partner but also serve as a central player in regional security mechanisms.
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