07.12.2025 19:59
The U.S. Ambassador to Ankara and Special Representative for Syria, Tom Barrack, drew attention with his statements regarding the Middle East. Barrack stated that Turkey plays a critical role in the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, and he proposed a controversial governance model to Arab countries. He expressed, "The best functioning model in this region is a philanthropic monarchy," arguing that the understanding of democracy imposed by the West for years has not resonated in the Middle East.
The U.S. Ambassador to Ankara and Special Representative for Syria, Tom Barrack, drew attention with his statements regarding the Middle East. Stating that Turkey plays a critical role in the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, Barrack proposed a controversial governance model to Arab countries. He expressed, "The best functioning model in this region is a benevolent monarchy," arguing that the democracy understanding imposed by the West for years has not found a response in the Middle East.
In his speech at the 23rd Doha Forum in the capital of Qatar, Doha, Barrack emphasized Turkey's key role in the ceasefire achieved between Hamas and Israel, stating, "If Turkey, which has been criticized for maintaining dialogue with Hamas, had not intervened, we would not have reached the point we are at today."
During the same process, Barrack highlighted that Qatar was also decisive, stating that the Emir of Qatar and the Foreign Minister played a critical role in the negotiations with Hamas.
"THE WEST HAS ALWAYS MADE MISTAKES IN THIS REGION"
Claiming that the fundamental reason for instability in the Middle East is the policies imposed by the West for many years, Barrack said, "Almost every decision imposed by the West in the region since Sykes-Picot has been a mistake, and today we are experiencing the consequences of that."
Noting that U.S. President Donald Trump has also been examining past interventions, Barrack expressed that "the West has started to see its past mistakes."
"THERE IS NO REAL DEMOCRACY, THE FUNCTIONING MODEL IS MONARCHY"
In his speech, which extensively covered governance models in the Middle East, Barrack's most striking statement was:
"Democracy does not function in this geography in the way the West understands it. Israel may define itself as a democracy, but in reality, the best functioning model in this region is a benevolent monarchy."
Stating that parliamentary system efforts in examples like Iraq and Libya have turned into a "paralysis," Barrack argued that the West's regime-imposing policy has harmed the regions.
"SYRIA MUST ESTABLISH ITS OWN ORDER"
Indicating that a new approach is needed regarding Syria, Barrack expressed that the U.S. will not be interventionist this time:
"We must allow them to define their own systems. It is not right to impose 'democracy in 12 months.'
Claiming that Syria has "done a good job" in managing camps, integrating communities, distributing foreign fighters, and dealing with chemical weapons, Barrack stated that the region has entered "a new era of opportunities."