US Special Envoy Meets Syrian Leader in Istanbul, Praises Actions on Foreign Fighters, Israel Relations

US special envoy to Syria and ambassador to Turkey, Thomas Barrack, met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Istanbul, commending him for significant steps taken regarding foreign fighters and improving relations with Israel, according to multiple reports. The meeting included Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and occurred alongside a high-level Syrian delegation's visit to Turkey, with Turkish officials expressing support for efforts to lift sanctions on Syria as a means to restore stability and economic development. The White House has linked the removal of sanctions on Damascus to Sharaa's crackdown on Palestinian terror groups, though the presence of Gaza-based Hamas and Fatah factions remains unaffected. Additionally, Sharaa held an unannounced meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, involving discussions on common issues between the two countries. Turkish officials have highlighted the importance of international cooperation in Syria's institutional and economic recovery. No further details from the meetings were immediately disclosed.