For the first time in over a decade, the flag of the United States has been raised in Damascus, marking a symbolic return of American diplomatic presence in Syria. The ceremony was led by Thomas Barrack, the newly appointed US envoy for Syria, who hoisted the flag at the former ambassador’s residence a site left dormant since the outbreak of the Syrian civil war.
According to Reuters, this gesture follows months of diplomatic engagement with Syria’s new government and reflects a major shift in US policy toward the war-torn nation. The US embassy in Damascus had closed its doors in February 2012, as the uprising against then-President Bashar al-Assad escalated into full-blown civil war.
Thomas Barrack, who also serves as US Ambassador to Turkey, was appointed envoy to Syria on May 23. His visit to Damascus is his first official trip in the new role.
This move comes in the wake of an unexpected meeting between President Donald Trump and Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, in Riyadh earlier this month. The Trump administration has since announced an easing of sanctions on Syria, signaling a thaw in relations between the two nations after years of estrangement.
Barrack’s visit and the flag-raising ceremony mark the most tangible sign yet of renewed ties. Though the US has not yet announced the full reopening of its embassy, the symbolism of the American flag flying once again in Damascus has sent ripples across the region.
The last American ambassador to reside in Syria was Robert Ford, who left the country shortly before the embassy closure in 2012. Since then, all American diplomatic efforts on Syria were managed remotely or through embassies in neighboring countries.
With this latest development, the United States appears to be redefining its role in Syria, possibly preparing for deeper involvement in the country’s reconstruction efforts and political transition.
