Latest news with #Tom Barrack
The National
6 hours ago
- Politics
- The National
Israeli and Syrian officials to meet in Baku in bid to contain Sweida violence
Israeli and Syrian officials will meet in the Azerbaijani capital of Baku on Thursday to discuss containing hostilities in the mostly Druze area of Sweida in south Syria, senior diplomats have told The National. The move comes after an offensive by Damascus that has drawn in Sunni militants and risked regional instability. Axios first reported that Tom Barrack, the US envoy to Syria, had arranged the meeting, without specifying the venue. However, officials from Turkey, the most powerful backer of the post- Bashar Al Assad government in Syria, will also be present in Baku, along with US officials, the sources said. Israel conducted an aerial campaign last week that killed hundreds of Syrian military personnel, curbing a government offensive on Sweida. The city's Druze leadership has largely opposed attempts by Damascus to deploy security forces to take control of the area. The central government is dominated by Hayat Tahrir Al Sham (HTS), a splinter group of Al Qaeda that ousted the former regime in December. "The immediate goal will be to stop destruction of Syrian assets by Israel as part of a deconfliction deal," one diplomat said. "In return the Israelis will want [Syria's President Ahmad] Al Shara to leave the Druze alone, for now." A second source in Jordan said the meeting was arranged shortly before a deadline set by Israel for all Syrian government forces to withdraw from the governorate of Sweida. Israel said it would resume the aerial campaign otherwise. Syrian and Israeli officials conducted a face-to-face meeting in Baku last month, arranged by Turkey and attended by senior officials from the two sides. It addressed southern Syria and touched on the potential for a broader peace deal, the sources said. "The Israelis made it clear that they will not allow Al Shara free hand in Sweida. It seems that he thought that he had enough US and Turkish support to ignore them," one of the sources said. Damascus deployed thousands of militants near the border with Jordan as part of an offensive by the government to control Sweida. Israel has accused Damascus of breaching demilitarisation deals that forbade the Syrian government from posting the military in the south. Although the thrust of the offensive on Sweida subsided at the weekend, government forces were on Wednesday still attacking rural Druze areas next to the city of Shahba, near Sweida city, the provincial capital.
Al Arabiya
a day ago
- Politics
- Al Arabiya
US envoy urges Syria's al-Sharaa to revise policy or risk fragmentation
A US envoy has urged Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to recalibrate his policies and embrace a more inclusive approach after a new round of sectarian bloodshed last week, or risk losing international support and fragmenting the country. US envoy to Syria Tom Barrack said he had advised Sharaa in private discussions to revisit elements of the pre-war army structure, scale back Islamist indoctrination and seek regional security assistance. In an interview in Beirut, Barrack told Reuters that without swift change, Sharaa risks losing the momentum that once propelled him to power. Sharaa should say: 'I'm going to adapt quickly, because if I don't adapt quickly, I'm going to lose the energy of the universe that was behind me,' Barrack said. He said Sharaa could 'grow up as a president and say, 'the right thing for me to do is not to follow my theme, which isn't working so well.'' Sharaa, leader of a former al-Qaeda offshoot, came to power in Syria after guerilla fighters he led brought down Bashar al-Assad in December last year after more than 13 years of civil war. Sharaa has promised to protect members of Syria's many sectarian minorities. But that pledge has been challenged, first by mass killings of members of the Alawite sect in March, and now by the latest violence in the southwest. Hundreds of people have been reported killed in clashes in the southern province of Sweida between Druze fighters, Bedouin tribes and Sharaa's own forces. Israel intervened with airstrikes to prevent what it said was mass killing of Druze by government forces. Barrack said the new government should consider being 'more inclusive quicker' when it comes to integrating minorities into the ruling structure. But he also pushed back against reports that Syrian security forces were responsible for violations against Druze civilians. He suggested that ISIS militants may have been disguised in government uniforms and that social media videos are easily doctored and therefore unreliable. 'The Syrian troops haven't gone into the city. These atrocities that are happening are not happening by the Syrian regime troops. They're not even in the city because they agreed with Israel that they would not go in,' he said. 'No successor' to al-Sharaa The US helped broker a ceasefire last week that brought an end to the fighting, which erupted between Bedouin tribal fighters and Druze factions on July 13. Barrack said the stakes in Syria are dangerously high, with no succession plan or viable alternative to the country's new government. 'With this Syrian regime, there is no plan B. If this Syrian regime fails, somebody is trying to instigate it to fail,' Barrack said. 'For what purpose? There's no successor.' Asked if Syria could follow the dire scenarios of Libya and Afghanistan, he said: 'Yes, or even worse.' The US has said it did not support Israel's airstrikes on Syria. Barrack said the strikes had added to the 'confusion' in Syria. Israel says Syria's new rulers are dangerous militants and has vowed to keep government troops out of the southwest and protect Syria's Druze minority in the area, encouraged by calls from Israel's own Druze community. Barrack said his message to Israel is to have dialogue to alleviate their concerns about Syria's new leaders and that the US could play the role of an 'honest intermediary' to help resolve any concerns. He said al-Sharaa had signaled from the beginning of his rule that Israel was not his enemy and that he could normalize ties in due time. He said the United States was not dictating what the political format of Syria should be, other than stability, unity, fairness and inclusion. 'If they end up with a federalist government, that's their determination. And the answer to the question is, everybody may now need to adapt.'
Arab News
2 days ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Why Lebanon's fragile state hinges on Hezbollah's next move
BEIRUT: As pressure intensifies on Lebanon's new government to resolve the question of Hezbollah's arms, it confronts a fundamental challenge: Can the Iran-backed group relinquish its military wing and become a purely political party? And if it does, will Lebanon's state institutions and political culture prove capable of supporting such a transition? Earlier this month, Tom Barrack, the US ambassador to Turkiye and special envoy for Syria, telegraphed Washington's growing impatience with the status quo in Lebanon in remarks to journalists following his visit to Beirut. He described Hezbollah's disarmament as an essential condition for the renewal of international financial aid and long-term political stability in Lebanon. As part of a proposal presented to Lebanese officials, the US offered support for Lebanon's economic reform efforts in exchange for Hezbollah's complete disarmament, Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory, and the release of Lebanese detainees held by Israel. 'If Lebanon doesn't hurry up and get in line, everyone around them will,' Barrack said. He acknowledged what he described as a 'spectacular' response from Beirut in a short time, but criticized the Lebanese political system's ingrained culture of 'delay, detour, and deflect,' saying time was running out for the country to adapt to a fast-changing regional order. But disarming Hezbollah is far from straightforward. Despite suffering significant losses last year during its war with Israel, including the death of longtime leader Hassan Nasrallah and the destruction of much of its military infrastructure, Hezbollah has shown no willingness to give up its arms. The group's new leader, Sheikh Naim Qassem, reiterated that stance in a video address on July 19. 'We will not surrender or give up to Israel; Israel will not take our weapons away from us,' he said. According to him, any disarmament would be discussed only as part of a national defense strategy determined internally by Lebanon, and only after a complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory. That position is tied to continued Israeli airstrikes, including recent attacks in the south that killed two individuals on July 20, as per local media reports. Hezbollah cites these violations, along with Israel's continued occupation of five positions seized after the November 2024 ceasefire, as justification for retaining its arms. Although the group claims to have handed over 190 of its 265 southern military positions to the Lebanese army, it continues to maintain a significant arsenal in the region and in other strongholds. Hezbollah emerged as Lebanon's most powerful military force and dominant political actor in the post-civil war era, representing a significant portion of the Shiite population alongside the Amal party. Together, the two groups hold all the 27 Shiite seats in the 128-member parliament. Analysts say that Hezbollah's ideological foundation has long rested on armed resistance, so shifting toward civilian politics would require not only strategic recalculation but also a new political message capable of sustaining its popular base. 'For decades, the party has emphasized armed resistance against Israel as central to its appeal,' said David Wood, senior analyst on Lebanon at the International Crisis Group (ICG). 'If Hezbollah wants to transition into a normal political party, it will need to craft another electoral narrative based around how it can improve the socio-economic fortunes of its constituents.' Such a transformation is not without precedent. Other armed movements in the region, such as the Palestinian Fatah in earlier decades, have evolved into political organizations. However, the Lebanese context is unique in many ways. Years of economic collapse, institutional paralysis and political gridlock have left the state too weak to assert its authority. The November 2024 ceasefire, brokered by the US and France, was intended to revive the terms of UN Resolution 1701, which calls for Israeli withdrawal from all Lebanese territory, a halt to Hezbollah's military operations near the southern border, and full control of arms by the Lebanese state. But little progress has been made. Bilal Saab, associate fellow in the Middle East and North Africa Program at Chatham House, expressed doubt over Hezbollah's ability to function effectively as a conventional political party. He pointed to signs of waning support in southern Lebanon and other Hezbollah strongholds. The group's military losses, the destruction of southern villages, and the economic suffering in Hezbollah-controlled areas are undermining its grassroots support, Saab told Arab News. 'It is therefore unclear whether an unarmed Hezbollah could compete effectively in free elections, within Lebanon's complex political system.' He said the obstacles ahead of the government are political willingness and 'exaggerated' fears of sectarian violence. The new leaders, he said, 'must recognize that the chances of sectarian tensions are higher with the status quo unchanged.' According to Saab, lack of serious action to address the issue of Hezbollah's arms would prompt Israel to continue its attacks and cause more damage and human casualties. 'If that happens, war-weary and economically dispossessed Lebanese could blame Hezbollah for causing even more death and destruction. This would in turn increase the risk of sectarian violence and people taking up arms against Hezbollah and its supporters,' he said. For Lebanon's new leadership under President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, the challenge is to preserve national stability while dealing with an increasingly polarized domestic landscape and pressure from powerful external actors. Though both leaders have reiterated their commitment to imposing a state monopoly on arms, they have insisted that any progress depends on Israel's complete withdrawal from Lebanese territory and an end to violations of Lebanese sovereignty. While Barrack's proposal received praise for its ambition, its feasibility depends on wider geopolitical considerations. Paul Salem, senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, believes that Iran, Hezbollah's principal backer, will have the final say. 'The key decision of disarming Hezbollah would have to be made in Iran, the group's main backer, not in Lebanon,' he told Arab News. 'For the time being, it is clear that Tehran is encouraging Hezbollah to drag its feet and not to hand over all its arms and I think that will remain the case.' Salem emphasized the need for a coordinated domestic and international effort to encourage Hezbollah's transition into a political entity. This, he said, would require guarantees from the US, a defined role for the LAF, and political assurances from the Arab Gulf states. 'Hezbollah, at a minimum, would need assurances about Israel's withdrawal and protection of its operatives in Lebanon, which would have to come from the US, as well reassurances from Gulf countries of aid for reconstruction of the war-ravaged areas,' Salem said. 'They would want some of that money to come through their auspices so they could benefit politically.' The World Bank has estimated the cost of Lebanon's reconstruction at $11 billion. US and Gulf officials have indicated that significant portions of that aid will only be unlocked if Hezbollah agrees to disarm. The issue of integrating Hezbollah supporters into Lebanon's broader political and economic fabric is also paramount. Wood emphasized that the process of disarming Hezbollah should come with assurances that the Shiite community would remain part of the nation-building process in a country long paralyzed by factional politics. 'Lebanon's leaders must think very carefully about how to fully integrate Hezbollah's supporters into the country's future, or else they risk creating dangerous fissures in Lebanese society,' the ICG's Wood said. Despite mounting pressure, few expect a quick resolution. Reports suggest Hezbollah is conducting a strategic review of its military posture, exploring possible scenarios but delaying concrete action. 'Hezbollah is taking a 'wait and see' approach for now,' Wood said. 'Perhaps it wants to know if regional circumstances might improve for it before seriously entertaining the idea of surrendering its military wing.' Meanwhile, the Lebanese army has consolidated control over Rafik Hariri International Airport and large parts of the south, improving state authority and border security. A successful disarmament, officials argue, would boost the credibility of Lebanon's institutions and the case for the state's monopoly on force. The Middle East Institute's Salem cautioned that Hezbollah is unlikely to fully relinquish its arms without assurances that go beyond Lebanese borders. If anything, he said, the disarmament would reduce sectarian tensions 'with the Sunnis, Christians, Druze and other communities that have been afraid of Hezbollah's arms.' The potential rewards for Lebanon are clearly substantial. Hezbollah's disarmament would enable Lebanon to form new alliances with regional and global partners. The disarmament process could also unlock vital economic assistance, helping the country recover from years of political paralysis, financial crisis and social unrest. However, Lebanon's leadership remains caught between the demands of the international community and the compulsions of domestic sectarian politics. For now, a delicate balance holds. But as pressure builds, time may be running out for Lebanon's politicians to chart the country's future — before others do it for them.
Arab News
2 days ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Lebanon delays implementing arms restriction amid Syria concerns
LEBANON: Lebanon has delayed the implementation of arms restrictions, Arab News has learned, amid growing concerns over developments in neighboring Syria — though it remains committed to disarming non-state militias, including Hezbollah. US Special Envoy Tom Barrack, speaking from Beirut on Monday, said the issue of Hezbollah's disarmament remains a domestic Lebanese matter. 'As far as the US is concerned, Hezbollah is a foreign terrorist group that we have no direct dealings with, and we are discussing this file with the Lebanese government,' said Barrack, who called on the Syrian government 'to take responsibility for the developments that occurred in Sweida,' considering that 'part of that responsibility may lie in the failure of communication between all Syrian components.' Barrack, who returned to Beirut on his third visit to Lebanon as part of his mission to establish a mechanism to implement the ceasefire agreement, including the withdrawal of Hezbollah's weapons, expressed, after his meeting with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, 'the US's disappointment if no agreement is reached on the issue of arms and the failure of the ceasefire agreement.' He warned that when it comes to guarantees, 'the US cannot compel Israel to do anything.' Barrack began his meetings with officials by meeting President Joseph Aoun in the presence of the US Ambassador to Lebanon Lisa Johnson. Aoun handed him, 'on behalf of the Lebanese state, the draft comprehensive memorandum for the implementation of Lebanon's commitments, starting from the declaration of Nov. 27, 2024, through the ministerial statement of the Lebanese government, and the presidential inauguration speech,' according to a statement issued by the presidency's media office. The statement clarified that 'the draft memorandum centered on the urgent need to save Lebanon through the extension of the Lebanese state's authority over its entire territory by its own forces alone, the exclusive possession of arms by the Lebanese armed forces, affirming the Lebanese constitutional institutions' sole authority over decisions of war and peace. 'This would go in parallel with preserving Lebanese sovereignty across all its international borders, reconstruction efforts, and launching economic recovery; all with the guarantee and support of Lebanon's brothers and friends around the world, in a way that safeguards the safety, security, and dignity of all Lebanon and all Lebanese.' A Lebanese political source told Arab News that 'the Lebanese response handed to Barrack did not include a timeline for addressing the weapons issue, as the situation has changed in light of the developments in Syria.' The source explained that Barrack's meeting with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri on Tuesday, who is negotiating on behalf of Hezbollah, will be key to understand the next steps following the recent developments which 'have raised more questions.' The source continued: 'The American document includes demands not only related to Hezbollah's weapons, but also to Lebanon's relationship with Syria and the border issue.' it added: 'The American side indeed wants a clear timeline for arms withdrawal, but in light of what happened in Sweida, will there be repercussions on Lebanon? Lebanon is afraid of what occurred and extremely concerned about its borders. It is demanding a halt to the entry of Syrians into its territory, including refugees and the potential approach of militants.' In a press conference held after he met with Salam, Barrack said that the reason for his return to Beirut was 'President Donald Trump's great interest in achieving regional stability,' stressing that Beirut remains 'at the center' of the process. 'As we have said before, Lebanon is the key to this experiment that began long ago with the emigration of religious minorities and political parties, who have succeeded around the world. The idea is to restore that success.' Barrack said his return to the region comes amid instability in Syria, where government forces were recently deployed to contain deadly clashes between Bedouin and Druze communities that left hundreds dead last week. 'However, we must stress the need to focus and restore stability to Lebanon and hope to the region, and we will continue down this path. We will follow up on our meeting with your leaders, who have been more than helpful in reaching the conditions and solutions that will resolve this situation, not only for Lebanon but for all the issues happening simultaneously. We are bringing hope along with economic reforms and prosperity, and this is what we will work on.' Barrack said: 'There is a cessation of hostilities agreement that came into effect, but it has not succeeded. There are reasons for its failure, and that is part of what we are all trying to resolve. Failure would be disappointing to the US. There are no consequences, just disappointment. We are trying to help, influence, guide, and bring parties together; just some kind of influence to return to the model you all want to see: prosperity and peace for your children in the region.' As for whether there are guarantees for Lebanon, Barrack argued that the US in 'not here to impose anything on anyone, and we cannot compel Israel to do anything.' He said: 'We are here to use our influence and leverage to help reach an outcome. The matter is up to the government and everyone. When you grow tired of squabbling and rivalries, then everyone reaches the conclusion that there must be greater understanding and peace with neighbors so life can be better.' Regarding the possibility of imposing sanctions on Lebanese officials, Barrack reiterated that 'Sanctions against Lebanese officials is an extremely complicated issue. 'It exists and is sensitive, but it is not under consideration now,' he said. 'What we are trying to do is bring peace and stability, not throw more fuel on the fire.' On developments in Syria and the issue of minorities in Lebanon, Barrack said that US 'feels great concern, sorrow, and sympathy toward all the events in Syria, and is offering support. 'There is recognition that the new parties trying to govern the country must understand the importance of accommodating minorities, engaging in dialogue, and coordinating with neighbors, including Israel, and pushing all these pieces together.' Barrack argued that 15 years of civil war have left the country in dire conditions and its ethic minorities deeply divided. 'The situation in Lebanon is different; there is an existing government working with minorities and the army. There is a stable army understood by the people. In Syria, however, there is a new government, and minorities and tribes who spent most of their childhood in chaos and in the absence of government. What is happening is the result of tribal, individual, and familial clashes. What is happening is undoubtedly horrific, and a quick solution must be found.' On Monday, Barrack toured and met with Maronite Patriarch Bechara Al-Rahi, Metropolitan Elias Audi of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Beirut and its Dependencies, Army Commander Gen. Rodolphe Haikal, former leader of the Progressive Socialist Party Walid Jumblatt, and met with several MPs during a dinner at the US embassy. Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem, in a speech delivered on July 18, warned Barrack that he is 'handing over Lebanon to Israel.' He asked: 'Do they want Lebanon to be divided between Israel and Syria? The weapons are an obstacle because they enabled Lebanon to stand on its feet and prevented Israel from expanding.' Qassem warned in his speech that 'armed groups in Syria may launch an attack on eastern Lebanon,' saying: 'All sects in Lebanon are under threat. Once we remove the danger, we are ready to discuss the defense strategy and the national security strategy.'
Japan Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Japan Times
Calm reported in Syria's Sweida, as Damascus says truce holding
Residents reported calm in Syria's Sweida on Sunday after the Islamist-led government announced that Bedouin fighters had withdrawn from the predominantly Druze city and a U.S. envoy signaled that a deal to end days of fighting was being implemented. With hundreds reported killed, the Sweida bloodshed is a major test for interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, prompting Israel to launch airstrikes against government forces last week as it declared support for the Druze. Fighting continued on Saturday despite a ceasefire call. Interior Minister Anas Khattab said Sunday that internal security forces had managed to calm the situation and enforce the ceasefire, "paving the way for a prisoner exchange and the gradual return of stability throughout the governorate." Images showed Interior Ministry forces near the city, blocking the road in front of members of tribes congregated there. The ministry said late Saturday that Bedouin fighters had left the city. U.S. envoy Tom Barrack said the sides had "navigated to a pause and cessation of hostilities." "The next foundation stone on a path to inclusion, and lasting de-escalation, is a complete exchange of hostages and detainees, the logistics of which are in process," he wrote on X. Kenan Azzam, a dentist, said there was an uneasy calm but the city's residents were struggling with a lack of water and electricity. "The hospitals are a disaster and out of service, and there are still so many dead and wounded," he said by phone. Another resident, Raed Khazaal, said aid was urgently needed. "Houses are destroyed. ... The smell of corpses is spread throughout the national hospital," he said in a voice message from Sweida. The Syrian state news agency said an aid convoy sent to the city by the government was refused entry while aid organized by the Syrian Red Crescent was let in. A source familiar with the situation said local factions in Sweida had turned back the government convoy. Israeli public broadcaster Kan reported on Sunday that Israel sent urgent medical aid to the Druze in Sweida and the step was coordinated with Washington and Syria. Spokespeople for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Foreign Ministry and the military did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Tribal fighters stand next to a government checkpoint in the town of Busra al-Hariri, east of the city of Sweida, Syria, on Sunday. | AFP-JIJI The Druze are a small but influential minority in Syria, Israel and Lebanon who follow a religion that is an offshoot of a branch of Shiite Islam. Some hard-line Sunnis deem their beliefs heretical. The fighting began a week ago with clashes between Bedouin and Druze fighters. Damascus sent troops to quell the fighting, but they were drawn into the violence and accused of widespread violations against the Druze. Residents of the predominantly Druze city said friends and neighbors were shot at close range in their homes or in the streets by Syrian troops, identified by their fatigues and insignia. Al-Sharaa on Thursday promised to protect the rights of Druze and to hold to account those who committed violations against "our Druze people." He has blamed the violence on "outlaw groups." While al-Sharaa has won U.S. backing since meeting President Donald Trump in May, the violence has underscored the challenge he faces stitching back together a country shattered by 14 years of conflict, and added to pressures on its mosaic of sectarian and ethnic groups. After Israel bombed Syrian government forces in Sweida and hit the Defense Ministry in Damascus last week, Netanyahu said Israel had established a policy demanding the demilitarization of territory near the border, stretching from the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights to the Druze Mountain, east of Sweida. He also said Israel would protect the Druze. The United States however said it did not support the Israeli strikes. On Friday, an Israeli official said Israel agreed to allow Syrian forces limited access to the Sweida area for two days. A Syrian security source said that internal security forces had taken up positions near Sweida, establishing checkpoints in western and eastern parts of the province where retreating tribal fighters had gathered. On Sunday, al-Sharaa received the report of an inquiry into violence in Syria's coastal region in March, where Syrian forces killed 1,500 members of the Alawite minority in June following attacks on security forces. The presidency said it would review the inquiry's conclusions and ensure steps to "bring about justice" and prevent the recurrence of "such violations." It called on the inquiry to hold a news conference on its findings — if appropriate — as soon as possible. The Syrian Network for Human Rights said Friday it had documented the deaths of at least 321 people in Sweida province since July 13. The preliminary toll included civilians, women, children, Bedouin fighters, members of local groups and members of the security forces, it said, and the dead included people killed in field executions by both sides. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, another monitoring group, has reported a death toll of at least 940 people. Reporters could not independently verify the tolls.
