The United States’ New Strategic Vision for West Asia

Mehmet Enes Başer
8 July 2025

🗺️ US Expands Strategic Plans for West Asia Amid Regional Tensions

As multiple fronts remain active—from Gaza to Iran—the United States is introducing a new geopolitical strategy for West Asia. In a comprehensive interview with Anadolu Agency, US Ambassador to Türkiye and Special Representative for Syria, Tom Barrack, outlined key points of Washington’s evolving approach.

His remarks reveal a broad vision that includes Türkiye’s central role in the region, the reintegration of Israel into the Muslim world, normalization talks with Syria and Lebanon, and even the political-military incorporation of the PKK/YPG into Syria’s future.

🇹🇷 Türkiye as a Key NATO Ally in the New US Order

Barrack began the interview by highlighting the strong personal rapport between US President Donald Trump and Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

“It started with mutual trust,” Barrack said, “between two presidents and their ministers at a very critical time in history.”

He reiterated that Türkiye remains a vital NATO partner, yet hasn’t always received the recognition it deserves as a major regional actor.

🕌 A Neo-Ottoman Vision for West Asia

Barrack described Türkiye as a multicultural bridge, capable of stabilizing West Asia, drawing parallels with İzmir’s diverse structure. He pointed to Türkiye’s leadership in Syria as evidence of its pivotal role.

In a striking statement, Barrack advocated for reviving the Ottoman Empire’s millet system as a model—where multiple communities coexisted within a centralized framework. This model, he suggests, could guide a new generation of post-war dialogue, moving beyond armed conflict.

🕊️ Türkiye as a Mediator in the Israel-Iran Conflict

Turning to the Iran–Israel conflict, Barrack argued that the confrontation presents an opportunity for redefining Israel’s role in the region.

“Türkiye is the key,” he said, to opening a new path toward regional stabilization.

Barrack further emphasized that there’s no reason Israel and the Muslim world cannot integrate through regional cooperation, despite current challenges like the war in Gaza.

He praised the Abraham Accords, suggesting that after a potential ceasefire in Gaza, incremental diplomatic steps could resume.

🤝 Toward Dialogue Between Israel, Syria, and Lebanon

In one of the interview’s most controversial moments, Barrack claimed that Syria’s new President, Colani, does not harbor hatred toward Israel and could support border dialogue.

He hinted at possible backchannel diplomacy focusing on border security and broader non-conflict agreements between Israel–Syria and Israel–Lebanon.

“The Middle East is ready for a new dialogue,” he asserted.

⚠️ US Plan to Integrate the PKK/YPG into Syria’s Future

Barrack openly addressed the future role of the PKK and its affiliates. He noted that the SDF (Syrian Democratic Forces), which includes YPG elements, had cooperated with US forces against ISIS.

“The SDF should be integrated into the new Syrian state—militarily and politically,” Barrack claimed, comparing it to the representation demands of Alawites, Druze, and other groups.

This signals a shift in US foreign policy in Syria, potentially recognizing armed Kurdish groups as legitimate actors in the post-conflict political system.

🧭 A US Roadmap for a Reshaped West Asia

Ambassador Barrack’s interview outlines a bold, controversial, and transformative US foreign policy framework for West Asia—one that reimagines Türkiye’s centrality, Israel’s integration, and the restructuring of Syria via internal accommodation and external normalization.

While offering new opportunities for peace, the plan also presents clear geopolitical tensions, especially with regard to sovereignty, regional alliances, and national identities.

US Strategy in West Asia: Türkiye’s Role, Israel’s Integration, and Syria’s Reconstruction

📄 Meta Description

US Ambassador to Türkiye Tom Barrack outlines a new American strategy for West Asia—emphasizing Türkiye’s role, Israel’s reintegration, and plans to incorporate PKK-linked groups into Syria’s future political framework.