US Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack stated that the Middle East is governed through tribes, villages, families, and sects, not through true nation-states, pointing to the 1916 Sykes-Picot Agreement as the origin of the artificial borders.
Speaking to reporters outside the White House, he said: “There is no Middle East, only tribes, villages, and nation-states created by Sykes-Picot… I think it’s an illusion to see 27 countries with 110 ethnic groups agreeing on a political concept.”
He also noted that there is a shared commitment from all parties to try to provide the necessary resources to empower the Syrian regime, emphasizing that Syria is a crucial element for regional stability.
He confirmed that Syria is a priority for everyone, highlighting that discussions focus on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s role in allowing Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s regime to come to power.
Speaking to reporters outside the White House, he said: “There is no Middle East, only tribes, villages, and nation-states created by Sykes-Picot… I think it’s an illusion to see 27 countries with 110 ethnic groups agreeing on a political concept.”
He also noted that there is a shared commitment from all parties to try to provide the necessary resources to empower the Syrian regime, emphasizing that Syria is a crucial element for regional stability.
He confirmed that Syria is a priority for everyone, highlighting that discussions focus on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s role in allowing Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s regime to come to power.