DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) – On Thursday, the U.S. flag was ceremoniously raised outside the long-abandoned ambassador's residence in Damascus, marking a significant thaw in relations between Washington and the newly established Syrian government. This action signals a notable shift in U.S. foreign policy towards Syria following years of tension and conflict.

The inauguration of the residence was officiated by Tom Barrack, the U.S. ambassador to Turkey who has also been designated as the special envoy to Syria. His arrival was reported by the Syrian state-run news agency, SANA. The United States had closed its embassy in Damascus back in 2012, after the onset of civil unrest sparked protests against the regime of then-President Bashar Assad, which were brutally suppressed, leading to an extended civil conflict that ultimately toppled Assad in December of this year through a rapid rebel offensive.

While the U.S. has yet to formally reopen its embassy, the visit by Barrack and the raising of the U.S. flag represent a meaningful signal of rapprochement between the two countries. Early on, Washington was cautious regarding the new leadership in Syria, particularly focusing on Ahmad al-Sharaa, a former leader of an Islamist militant group that remains classified by the U.S. as a terrorist organization. In recent weeks, however, the Trump administration, prompted by regional allies like Saudi Arabia and Turkey, has demonstrated a willingness to engage with the new Syrian leadership.

Notably, President Trump recently held an unexpected meeting with al-Sharaa in Riyadh, suggesting a burgeoning diplomatic relationship. This development is furthered by the U.S. administration's decision to begin lifting long-standing sanctions that were imposed on Syria in response to the actions of the Assad government.

On Thursday, the U.S. State Department released a statement on platform X, attributing it to President Trump, which announced Barrack's appointment as envoy to Syria. The statement emphasized Barrack's understanding of the potential for collaboration with Syria to combat radicalism, foster improved relations, and work towards achieving lasting peace in the Middle East. The statement reiterated Trump's commitment to "Make America, and the World, SAFE AGAIN!"

In response, Barrack took to X to express his gratitude to Trump, acknowledging the president’s "bold vision" for empowering the historically significant region of Syria that has long been under oppressive governance. He called for the reclamation of the nation's destiny through self-determination.

This signaling of improved relations and potential collaboration between the United States and Syria comes after years of tension, indicating a possible reshaping of alliances in the region and a re-evaluation of U.S. policy towards Middle Eastern countries impacted by the previous administration's approaches. As the political landscape in Syria continues to evolve, these developments promise to have noteworthy implications for both regional stability and international relations moving forward.