Barak: Israel Prefers a Fragmented Syria
According to the English section of webangah News Agency, citing Mehr News Agency and the associated Press, Tom Barrett, US Ambassador to Turkey and White House Special Envoy to Damascus, acknowledged Israel’s strategy for Syria, stating that Tel Aviv “prefers a fragmented Syria.”
He added that there is no alternative plan for cooperating with current authorities to unite a country still suffering from nearly 14 years of civil war and now grappling with a resurgence of sectarian violence.
Barrett criticized Israel’s recent intervention in Syria, calling its timing inappropriate. He said the move complicates efforts aimed at stabilizing the region.
“Israel’s intervention came at a very bad time.Killings, revenge attacks, and massacres on both sides are intolerable,” he said.
Barrett claimed that despite limited resources, the current Syrian government-as an emerging state-has done its best trying to bring together a diverse society. However, he stressed Syrian officials must be held accountable for violations.
He reiterated that Israeli actions open a highly complicated new chapter happening at an extremely unfortunate moment.
The US special envoy further claimed that when recent clashes began, Israel viewed southern Damascus as suspicious territory where any military developments should be discussed or agreed upon with them. however,the newly established syrian government did not share this view.
Referring to the fragile ceasefire in Syria, Barrett said Saturday’s agreement between Syria and Israel is limited in scope as it only addresses clashes in As-Suwayda. It does not cover broader issues such as Israel’s claim that southern Damascus should remain demilitarized.
When asked whether the US accepts Israeli interference in another sovereign nation’s domestic affairs, Barrett admitted: “Israel prefers seeing Syria divided rather then controlled by a strong central government.”
he acknowledged strong national governments pose threats-especially Arab states perceived as threats by Israel-but believes minority communities within Syria are smart enough to recognize they are better off united and focused together.
Barrett also claimed he believes violence in As-Suwayda will not derail ceasefire negotiations and progress may occur within weeks. He emphasized it is not in America’s interest to dictate how neighboring countries conduct their relations with each other.
