U.S. flag raised in Damascus, envoy says Syria-Israel peace is possible

For the first time since 2012, the U.S. flag was raised in Damascus, marking a major step in restoring ties between the U.S. and Syria.

Newly appointed U.S. envoy Thomas Barrack visited the Syrian capital and said peace between Syria and Israel is possible, starting with dialogue and a non-aggression agreement.

Barrack praised Syria’s new interim leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa—a former al Qaeda figure who has since distanced himself from the group, saying the U.S. wants to give the new government a chance without interfering.

He also announced that Syria would no longer be labeled a state sponsor of terrorism and that harsh U.S. sanctions, including the Caesar Act, may soon be lifted. The U.S. embassy in Damascus had been closed since the early days of Syria’s civil war, which left the country deeply divided and dependent on allies like Iran and Russia.

Now, with signs of quiet talks between Syrian and Israeli officials and U.S. support for peace, there may be hope for a new chapter in the region.

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