Tom Brack: Al-Shara's Goals Align with Washington and Israeli Talks are Positive

In striking statements, the U.S. special envoy to Syria, Tom Brack, praised the transitional Syrian president, Ahmad al-Shara, affirming his confidence in his character and directions, and noting that his goals currently align with the U.S. administration's vision for the region.

Brack said in a podcast interview scheduled to air in full today, Friday, that al-Shara "is seriously striving to resolve problems with neighboring countries and to build regional understandings that will return Syria to the path of prosperity and stability," emphasizing that Washington sees this policy as a clear alignment with its interests in the Middle East.

The U.S. envoy clarified that "there is no alternative plan for Syria," calling on the international community to provide political and economic support to al-Shara's government, alongside enhancing accountability mechanisms.

When asked about the course of Syrian-Israeli relations, Brack revealed that negotiators from both sides met twice in Paris, the first lasting three and a half hours, followed by a second session, confirming that the atmosphere was positive despite the high sensitivity of the file.

However, he pointed out that the Syrian president remains cautious in dealing with Israel, saying: "Al-Shara does not trust it, and many Arab countries have lost trust in Israel after what happened in Gaza."

Nevertheless, Brack stressed that the Syrian president is ready to negotiate "when his country's interests are at stake."

Brack had stated last week that talks between Damascus and Tel Aviv are moving in a positive direction, but he acknowledged that "reaching a final agreement is still far off."

For his part, al-Shara had previously announced that there has been tangible progress in security talks with Israel, indicating that discussions are focused on returning to the 1974 disengagement agreement, which stipulates a separation line between Syrian and Israeli forces in the occupied Golan.

On August 20, the Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani met with Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer in the French capital, Paris, in a meeting sponsored by the United States.

The two sides discussed mechanisms to ease tensions in the Sweida Governorate, enhance stability in southern Syria, and establish a clear mechanism to reactivate the 1974 disengagement agreement in the Golan.

It is noteworthy that these movements come within the context of international diplomatic efforts to reintegrate Syria into the regional and international fold, amid increasing signals of shifts in the U.S. stance towards the transitional phase in Damascus.