Texas Politics

US Returns to Embassy in Syria After 13-Year Hiatus

The US is restarting diplomatic operations in its embassy in Damascus, Syria, as relations between Syria’s interim government and the US improve. 

The embassy had been closed since February 2012 due to internal conflict and violence caused by former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported how “Ambassador Thomas Barrack raised the American flag over the ambassador’s residence in Damascus, Syria for the first time since the embassy closed in 2012.”

Syria is undergoing a political transition following President al-Assad’s forced departure from the country after rebel forces took control of the country.  

Since then, interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has remained at the helm of Syria as the country constructs a new government. 

The US and President Donald Trump have expressed hope that President al-Sharaa and his administration will steer Syria toward liberty, prosperity, and civility. 

Consequently, the US recently lifted sanctions against Syria, a gesture President Trump qualified as “a chance at greatness.”

Ambassador Barrack, the US’s Special Envoy for Syria, commended the sanctions relief for bolstering Syria’s economic, political, and national security. 

“The cessation of sanctions against Syria will preserve the integrity of our primary objective — the enduring defeat of ISIS — and will give the people of Syria a chance for a better future,” argued Barrack. “In this way, we, together with regional partners including Turkiye and the Gulf, are enabling the Syrian government to restore peace, security, and the hope of prosperity.”

ISIS recently struck Syrian government forces in recent terror attacks - the first of their kind against Syria’s new government. 

The US and allies, including forces that now make up Syria’s government, have been fighting ISIS and similar terror groups throughout Syria and neighboring regions for years. 

As the US deepens its relationship with Syria, the US military’s participation in counterterrorism missions could increase.

Mateo Guillamont

Recent Posts

LONESTAR — 2.4.2026 — Texas Lawmakers Push for SAVE Act Vote — Ken Paxton Seeks Answers Over Anti-ICE Student Protests — and More...

After 300 Days, Texas Reps. Push Senate Vote on SAVE Act Congressman Brandon Gill (R-TX)…

1 hour ago

Brandon Gill Argues 'Not All Cultures Are Created Equal'

WASHINGTON, D.C.—During a press conference of the No Sharia Law House Caucus, Rep. Brandon Gill…

17 hours ago

Ken Paxton Demands Records From Austin ISD Over Anti-ICE Student Protests

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has formally demanded information from the Austin Independent School District…

20 hours ago

After 300 Days, Texas Reps. Push Senate Vote on SAVE Act

Congressman Brandon Gill (R-TX) led 34 House Republicans in sending a letter to Senate Majority…

23 hours ago

John Cornyn, Chip Roy Seek Proof of Citizenship for Federal Voting

U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R), joined by Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) and Congressman Chip Roy…

24 hours ago

Advocacy Groups Rally Behind Dan Crenshaw’s Recycling Technology Innovation Act

U.S. Representative Dan Crenshaw (R) has received support from a coalition of more than two…

1 day ago