US Ambassador to Turkey Faces Criticism for Echoing Ankara's Narrative on Israel-Syria Strikes

Tom Barrack's appointment as US Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy for Syria has sparked concerns over his diplomatic stance, which appears closely aligned with Turkish interests. Barrack recently claimed that Israeli Defense Forces' strikes in Syria were driven by internal Israeli political considerations, a narrative strongly promoted by the Turkish government. This stance contrasts with his silence on controversial Turkish military actions in northern Syria and Idlib, as well as Turkey's ongoing military presence in northern Cyprus.

Barrack, a businessman with deep financial ties in the Middle East and Gulf region, has avoided publicly addressing Turkey's suppression of opposition, its strategic relations with Russia, and its hosting of Hamas and other radical groups. His rhetoric supports Ankara's attempts to undermine Israeli intelligence credibility and to drive a wedge between Israel and the US administration.

Given Barrack's Lebanese heritage and complex business background, critics suggest potential conflicts of interest or excessive identification with Turkish leadership. Reports also indicate possible leaks of US strategic plans to Turkey, raising further questions about Barrack's role.

Despite pressure from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on the White House, US officials have resisted Ankara's demands, including rejecting a Palestinian speech at the UN General Assembly. Security incidents linked to Turkey continue to fuel Washington's suspicions.

Experts recommend Israel adopt a direct diplomatic challenge strategy toward Barrack, demanding clear public positions on Turkey's demographic changes in northern Syria and Idlib, its support for Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood, its military presence in northern Cyprus, and its close ties with Moscow. This approach aims to expose Turkey's double standards and assert a firm red line against Barrack's dual role as US envoy and Ankara ally.

The evolving regional order pits the old regional axis, with Turkey as a central player, against a new order led by the US and Israel. Israel's response should include a political campaign to question Turkey's contradictory policies and to pressure the US administration to clarify Barrack's conflicting roles.