US Envoy Questions Druze Independence Push

Tensions in southern Syria have escalated as US officials question the motives of a key religious figure.

Tom Barrack, the US special envoy for Syria, recently offered a pointed assessment of the region's complex power dynamics. He is also serving as the ambassador to Turkey. In an interview with commentator Mario Nawfal, which went live on X this past Friday, Barrack directed criticism at a prominent Druze spiritual leader. He alleged that this figure is exploiting the idea of Israeli and American support to target other members of the Druze community. Barrack clarified that his issue is not with the state of Israel itself, but with the specific tactics of this sheikh. Although he did not name the individual explicitly, the timing suggests a link to Hikmat al-Hijri. Al-Hijri is a key leader in Sweida who opposes Damascus and has called for full independence.

The envoy firmly pushed back against the idea that Washington has explicitly endorsed this local leader. He described such claims as absolutely wrong. This friction became visible earlier this month when supporters of al-Hijri raised Israeli flags during a rally in Sweida. The event marked the anniversary of the attacks on October 7, 2023. That symbolic gesture highlighted the complicated internal politics at play. Barrack noted that this behavior creates a difficult position for regional stakeholders who are trying to manage the broader peace process.

Beyond political posturing, Barrack pointed to the economic engines driving local armed factions. He suggested that Druze groups in the province are financing their weapons through the captagon trade. He described the stretch from Sweida to Daraa as a global hub for manufacturing and selling this illicit drug. He compared the production process to the manufacturing of methamphetamine. According to Barrack, the revenue from this trade allows these groups to arm themselves effectively. This financial backing adds a layer of complexity to the military balance in the south.

The Bashan administration, which is affiliated with al-Hijri, reacted strongly to these comments. They issued a statement expressing profound anger and condemnation. The group denied that Jabal Bashan is a center for captagon production. They argued that the community has historically been on the front lines against smuggling networks. They noted that the community has paid a high personal cost, including the sacrifice of young men, in the struggle to eradicate illicit drugs. This denial highlights the deep divisions within the local leadership over how to present the community to outsiders.

The political landscape has become more rigid following al-Hijri's declaration in May 2026 that the move toward self-determination is irreversible. He emphasized the goal of establishing a fully independent administration for Jabal Bashan. This new administration would be entirely distinct from the government in Damascus. This push for autonomy has intensified scrutiny on the region's internal politics. It also affects the relationship between Syria and its neighboring powers, particularly Israel.

Barrack argued that the alignment between Israel and the Druze goes beyond mere political interference. He pointed to the Druze communities in the Golan Heights and along the border. He noted that they have paid a significant price as allies alongside Israeli Defense Forces soldiers. Israel has repeatedly framed its military interventions in southern Syria as efforts to protect the Druze. This includes strikes against Syrian government forces in Sweida back in July 2025. These actions underscore the deep historical ties that exist in this border region.

Looking at the broader relationship, Barrack observed that Syria has exercised notable restraint in response to Israeli incursions. He warned that any aggressive retaliation could trigger a wider conflict. He suggested that Damascus has been patient in allowing Israel to maintain what it perceives as a buffer zone. This patience is seen as a strategic choice to prevent the fire from exploding into a larger war, even as some Druze actions are viewed as inappropriate by others.

The envoy expressed optimism that Israel and Syria will eventually reach an understanding. This is despite continuing mistrust and tensions along their shared border. He noted that Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has made it clear he does not desire a confrontation. However, Barrack acknowledged that Israel remains wary of Syria's new leadership. He cited Sharaa's past as a fighter with the al-Nusra Front and the presence of foreign fighters in army divisions near the border. These factors continue to shape the cautious approach both sides are taking.

Negotiations between the two nations are described as an ongoing process of building trust. Barrack highlighted that the two sides have already held five rounds of border and boundary talks. These discussions began in Paris in May 2024. He expressed confidence in the trajectory of these meetings. While the parties have come close to an agreement before, he believes they will reach a final understanding again. This diplomatic track remains a crucial avenue for stabilizing the region in the coming months.