Full Breakdown
Tom Barrack Calls for a Shift Away from U.S. “Control” of Middle-East Outcomes
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Remarks at the Global Security Forum in Doha
U.S. ambassador to Turkey and special envoy for Syria Tom Barrack told the Global Security Forum in Doha that the United States should stop trying to “own” political outcomes across the Middle East. He urged regional governments to take greater responsibility for confronting Iran-backed militias in Yemen, Lebanon, Iraq and elsewhere, while the United States maintains a supporting presence.
Background & Context: Decades of U.S. Regime-Change Attempts
Barrack cited a history of American interventions that sought to replace hostile regimes, noting 23 regime changes and referencing operations in Libya, Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq as examples that “did not work” and often produced unintended consequences. This backdrop frames his call for a strategic recalibration amid the ongoing Iran-related conflict.
Official Statements & Responses
In Doha, Barrack emphasized several points:
- Shift from a “ground kinetic battle” to logistics and diplomatic support, especially for allies such as Saudi Arabia confronting Houthi attacks.
- Regional states must develop their own security arrangements, reducing reliance on Iranian-backed militias.
- While labeling the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) an adversary, he described Iran as a theocracy rather than an “evil” regime.
- He advocated for a negotiated settlement with Tehran that includes a ceasefire, reopening of international waterways, and relief for Iranian civilians.
- Regarding Israel’s concerns, Barrack said Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa appears willing to pursue normalization with Israel and downplayed the risk of a direct Israel-Turkey clash, noting both sides are “too smart” for open conflict.
- Overall, he framed the U.S. approach as “not to leave” but to “tend,” maintaining a strategic presence without dictating outcomes.
Data & Statistics
- 23 regime changes have been attempted by the United States, according to Barrack’s assessment.
Why It Matters
Barrack’s remarks come as the administration continues pressure on Iran, a conflict that has not altered Tehran’s political system despite the elimination of senior officials. By questioning the efficacy of regime-change tactics, he signals a potential shift toward a more limited, partnership-oriented U.S. posture. If adopted, this approach could reshape U.S. commitments to allies, alter the calculus of military engagement, and influence how regional powers negotiate security arrangements with Tehran and its proxies.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The bargain is not to own, not to control, but to tend, not to leave. We’re not leaving,” — Tom Barrack
- “The IRGC has become an adversary. The IRGC, in its adversarial role with Israel, has been a problem,” — Tom Barrack
- “It’s a theocracy. It’s not an evil regime and that has nothing to do with it,” — Tom Barrack
