US ambassador’s residence reopens in Damascus after long shutdown PHOTO

On May 29, the American flag was hoisted outside the long-dormant U.S. ambassador’s residence in Damascus, signalling a dramatic shift in Washington’s approach to Syria’s new leadership and hinting at renewed diplomatic engagement.

The U.S. ambassador to Türkiye, Tom Barrack — recently appointed special envoy to Syria — arrived in Damascus to inaugurate the residence, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Syrian state news agency SANA. 

His visit included a meeting with Syria’s new president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, and the signing of a major energy development agreement.

The agreement involves a consortium of Qatari, Turkish, and American companies, including Qatar’s UCC Concession Investments, Power International USA, and Türkiye’s Kalyon GES Enerji Yatirimlari and Cengiz Enerji. The project aims to rehabilitate Syria’s war-ravaged electricity sector by constructing four combined-cycle gas turbines with a combined output of approximately 4,000 megawatts, alongside a 1,000-megawatt solar power facility.

In a statement, UCC said the projects are expected to supply more than 50% of Syria’s electricity needs once completed.

Although the U.S. has yet to formally reopen its embassy — closed in 2012 amid the civil war sparked by the Assad regime’s crackdown on protests — the raising of the flag and Barrack’s visit mark a significant development in bilateral relations.

President Bashar al-Assad was ousted in December during a swift rebel offensive. The U.S. had initially expressed caution toward Syria’s new leadership, especially given President al-Sharaa’s past as a commander of an Islamist insurgent group still listed as a terrorist organisation by Washington.

However, recent weeks have seen growing U.S. engagement, reportedly encouraged by key regional allies Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. Earlier this month, President Donald Trump held a surprise meeting with al-Sharaa in Riyadh — a pivotal moment in shifting American policy.

On May 29, the U.S. State Department released a statement on the social media platform X, quoting Trump’s announcement of Barrack’s appointment.

“Tom understands there is great potential in working with Syria to stop Radicalism, improve Relations, and secure Peace in the Middle East. Together, we will Make America, and the World, SAFE AGAIN!” the statement read.

In a follow-up post, Barrack thanked Trump for his “bold vision, empowering a historically rich region, long oppressed, to reclaim its destiny through self-determination.”

By Khagan Isayev