Abu dhabi: US Special Envoy to Syria Thomas Barrack stated that Syria has shown complete cooperation toward a potential deal with Israel. Barrack made these remarks during an interview with United Arab Emirate daily The National, on the sidelines of the Milken Institute Middle East and Africa Summit in Abu Dhabi.

According to Anadolu Agency - English, Barrack, who also serves as the ambassador to Trkiye, mentioned that while Syria is striving for peace, Israel remains cautious. He noted that Syria is complying with US requests aimed at fostering relations with Israel. However, the lack of trust from Israel's side is slowing the process. Barrack expressed optimism that a deal focusing on security, border agreements, and normalization could be achieved, emphasizing Syria's understanding of the importance of an agreement with Israel amid challenges from enemy combatants.

Barrack also addressed US-Iran relations, highlighting the US president's openness to substantive discussions on Iran's nuclear program, provided Iran addresses enrichment concerns and proxy funding. On the topic of Hezbollah, Barrack pointed out that regime change strategies have historically failed, citing past US interventions and stressing that regional solutions should be left to regional actors.

Discussing Iraq, Barrack criticized the 2003 war as a costly endeavor with a troubled legacy, noting the significant loss of life and financial investment. He argued against the federal system in Iraq and similar approaches in Syria, likening them to the fragmentation seen in Yugoslavia. Barrack also touched upon Iraq's brief designation of Hezbollah as a terrorist organization, attributing its reversal to internal chaos and Iran's influence in the country.