Latest news with #USenvoy
Asharq Al-Awsat
2 days ago
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
US Sends Beirut ‘Warning' and ‘Incentive' Over Hezbollah Arms
US special envoy Tom Barrack delivered a dual message of 'incentive' and 'warning' to the Lebanese capital this week, urging swift action on the issue of Hezbollah's weapons. 'You have Israel on one side, you have Iran on the other, and now you have Syria manifesting itself so quickly that if Lebanon doesn't move, it's going to be Bilad Al Sham again,' he said, using the historical name for the Syria region. The remarks sparked alarm within Lebanon's political establishment, with some interpreting the comments as a blunt warning of 'existential danger.' Government sources told Asharq al-Awsat that Barrack, who also serves as Washington's ambassador to Türkiye and was previously tasked with Syria policy, appears to be approaching the Lebanon and Syria files through a unified lens. 'Barrack believes that Lebanon should follow the same diplomatic path as Syria,' one official said, referring to Damascus' recent re-engagement with regional and international actors. 'But he also understands Lebanon's complex political terrain.' Barrack's comments about Lebanon potentially 'returning to Bilad Al Sham' provoked criticism across the political spectrum, prompting him to clarify his position in a post on X, formerly Twitter. 'My comments yesterday praised Syria's impressive strides, not a threat to Lebanon,' wrote Barrack. 'I observed the reality that Syria is moving at light speed to seize the historic opportunity presented by President Donald Trump lifting of sanctions: investment from Türkiye and the Gulf, diplomatic outreach to neighboring countries, and a clear vision for the future,' he added. He said Syria's leadership is 'seeking coexistence and shared prosperity with Lebanon based on sovereign equality,' and stressed that the United States supports a bilateral relationship that promotes 'peace, prosperity, and mutual respect' between the two nations. 'I can assure that Syria's leaders only want co-existence and mutual prosperity with Lebanon, and the United States is committed to supporting that relationship between two equal and sovereign neighbors enjoying peace and prosperity,' said Barrack. Barrack, in the context of disarming Hezbollah, had stated that a successful approach requires a combination of "carrots and sticks". This means using both positive incentives (carrots) and negative consequences (sticks) to achieve the desired outcome. Barrack's recent warning to Lebanon reflects the 'stick' Washington is wielding, while his unprecedented acknowledgment of Hezbollah's dual structure signals the 'carrot' being offered. 'This is the first time a US official publicly distinguishes between Hezbollah's political and military wings,' one source told Asharq al-Awsat. 'It's a message of inducement aimed directly at Hezbollah, despite the fact that Washington has long treated both branches as inseparable and placed them under the same sanctions regime,' they explained. In remarks to the press, Barrack reiterated the US designation of Hezbollah as a terrorist organization, but added nuance rarely heard from senior American officials.
LBCI
3 days ago
- Politics
- LBCI
Tom Barrack says US mediating undisclosed Lebanon-Israel talks
U.S. envoy Tom Barrack revealed that the United States has facilitated undisclosed talks between Lebanon and Israel. In a press interview, Barrack said a negotiating team was formed and that Washington has begun acting as a mediator, with talks moving quickly. He also called for empowering the Lebanese army to lead disarmament efforts, warning that if Lebanon fails to act, 'it's going to be Bilad al-Sham again.' Barrack cited Syrians as saying, 'Lebanon is our beach resort.'
The Independent
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Gaza ceasefire talks stall over key issue, sources say
Ceasefire talks in Doha are faltering due to disagreements over the extent of Israeli troop withdrawal from the Palestinian enclave of Gaza. Hamas has rejected Israel 's proposed withdrawal maps, which would leave approximately 40 per cent of the territory, including Rafah, under Israeli control. Other challenges in the negotiations include matters of aid and guarantees for ending the war, with a US envoy expected to join discussions to help resolve the crisis. The stalled negotiations occur amidst continued Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, which killed at least 28 Palestinians overnight, including four children. Hamas insists on an end to the war before releasing remaining hostages, while Israel maintains it will only cease fighting once all hostages are freed and Hamas is dismantled.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Zelensky Meets US Envoy Kellogg and Pope Leo in Rome Amid Ongoing Ukraine Conflict
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had a "substantive" conversation with U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg in Rome about strengthening Ukraine's air defense and weapons supplies.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
A US envoy says Syria's central government and the Kurds remain at odds over plans on merging forces after latest talks
DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — A US envoy says Syria's central government and the Kurds remain at odds over plans on merging forces after latest talks.
