US and Syria Explore Reengagement in Landmark Istanbul Meeting
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa met over the weekend in Istanbul with newly appointed US Special Envoy Tom Barrack, joined by senior Turkish officials. The high-level talks, reported by The Media Line’s Rizik Alabi, represent the most direct engagement between the two countries since the Syrian war began in 2011.
The meeting came on the heels of President Donald Trump’s announcement in Riyadh that US sanctions on Syria would be lifted—an unexpected diplomatic opening that set the stage for renewed dialogue. According to Barrack, the Istanbul summit followed months of quiet backchannel discussions.
Discussions focused on eliminating Syria’s chemical weapons, integrating the Syrian Democratic Forces into government structures, and gradually easing US sanctions. Barrack praised Syria’s efforts to contain ISIS, especially in the Badia desert and along the country’s borders.
This holiday season, give to:
Truth and understanding
The Media Line's intrepid correspondents are in Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Pakistan providing first-person reporting.
They all said they cover it.
We see it.
We report with just one agenda: the truth.
In exchange for sanctions relief, Syria would commit to administrative and economic reforms aimed at attracting foreign investment, particularly in energy and infrastructure. Al-Sharaa also made clear his government would not accept any division of Syrian territory, reaffirming Syria’s commitment to the 1974 Disengagement Agreement with Israel.
The meeting followed recent talks between al-Sharaa and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, positioning Turkey as a key player in shaping a possible regional shift.
As Rizik Alabi notes, the road to normalization is still long and complicated—Congress remains divided, and Syrian opposition groups are wary. But for the first time in years, serious diplomatic conversation is underway.
Read the full story at The Media Line to see how far this opening may go.
