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The Trump administration has signaled its intention to proceed with plans to potentially reopen the U.S. Embassy in Damascus, Syria, according to a notice obtained by The Associated Press. The embassy has been closed since 2012, when it was shuttered during the early stages of Syria’s devastating civil war.
In a February 10 notification to congressional committees, the State Department outlined its “intent to implement a phased approach to potentially resume embassy operations in Syria.” The notice indicated that spending on these plans would begin within 15 days, though no specific timeline was provided for when the plans might be completed or when U.S. diplomatic personnel might return to Damascus on a full-time basis.
The administration has been exploring the possibility of reopening the embassy since last year, following a significant political shift in Syria. In December 2024, longtime president Bashar Assad was ousted, creating an opening for renewed diplomatic engagement with the country under its new leadership.
The initiative has been championed by Tom Barrack, President Trump’s ambassador to Turkey and special envoy for Syria. Barrack has been a vocal advocate for a comprehensive diplomatic reset with Syria and has successfully pushed for the lifting of U.S. sanctions against the country. He has also worked to help Syria reintegrate into regional and international communities following years of isolation during the Assad regime.
President Trump expressed his support for Syria’s new leadership during a press briefing on Friday. Speaking about Ahmad al-Sharaa, the former rebel who now leads Syria, Trump remarked that he was “doing a phenomenal job” as president. “He’s a rough guy. He’s not a choir boy. A choir boy couldn’t do it,” Trump said, adding, “But Syria’s coming together.”
Barrack has already taken symbolic steps toward normalizing relations. Last May, he visited Damascus and raised the American flag at the embassy compound, though the facility was not officially reopened at that time.
The congressional notification coincided with another significant diplomatic development. On the same day, Barrack publicly praised Syria’s decision to participate in the coalition combating the Islamic State militant group. “Regional solutions, shared responsibility. Syria’s participation in the D-ISIS Coalition meeting in Riyadh marks a new chapter in collective security,” Barrack stated.
This move comes despite ongoing complications in Syria, including the U.S. military’s recent withdrawal from a strategically important base in the southeast of the country and persisting tensions between the Syrian government and the Kurdish minority, whose fighters have been crucial U.S. allies in the fight against ISIS.
Details of the embassy reopening plans remain classified, with the State Department declining to comment beyond confirming that the congressional notification had been sent. However, sources familiar with the matter suggest the department is taking a similar “phased” approach to the one being implemented in Venezuela, where the U.S. is working to reestablish diplomatic presence following the ouster of former President Nicolás Maduro in January.
In Venezuela, this phased approach has involved deploying temporary staff members who work from interim facilities before a full embassy restoration. A similar model could be applied in Damascus, allowing for a gradual reestablishment of diplomatic operations while navigating the complex security and political landscape of post-Assad Syria.
The potential reopening of the U.S. Embassy in Damascus represents a significant shift in American foreign policy toward Syria after more than a decade of diplomatic isolation during the Assad regime and the protracted civil war that has devastated the country.
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12 Comments
After 14 years, reopening the US embassy in Syria is a bold step. I wonder if it signals a long-term commitment to engagement or if it’s more of a temporary measure.
Good question. The details around the timeline and scope of this move will be important to watch as it develops.
This is a significant geopolitical move. I’m curious to see how it is received by US allies in the region and whether it signals a broader shift in Washington’s Syria policy.
Yes, the regional dynamics will be key. Careful diplomacy will be needed to balance different interests and ensure this move doesn’t further destabilize the situation.
Reopening the US embassy in Damascus could open up new opportunities for cooperation on issues like counterterrorism, humanitarian aid, and economic development. But trust will need to be rebuilt.
Absolutely. Restoring diplomatic ties is just the first step – much harder work will be required to address the complex challenges Syria faces.
Interesting to see the US considering reopening its embassy in Syria after over a decade. I wonder what the new political landscape looks like and whether this could signal a shift in US-Syria relations.
Reopening the embassy could help facilitate more open diplomatic channels between the two countries. It will be important to see how this progresses.
The civil war in Syria has had devastating impacts, so any steps towards normalized relations and increased engagement are positive. However, the political situation remains quite delicate.
Agreed. The US will need to tread carefully to ensure any diplomatic efforts contribute to stability and peace in the region.
This is an intriguing development in US-Syria relations. I’ll be curious to see how it impacts energy and mining issues in the region, like access to resources and infrastructure.
Yes, the economic implications could be significant. Restoring diplomatic ties may open up new commercial opportunities, but the security environment remains challenging.