Barzani’s call for dialogue in Syria was the focus of a high-level phone call on Tuesday between Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani and US Special Envoy Tom Barrack. The US official also serves as Washington’s Ambassador to Turkey.
According to a statement from the Kurdistan Region Presidency, the two leaders discussed the evolving situation in Syria. They also exchanged views on broader regional dynamics influencing Syria’s future.
Both sides agreed that dialogue and mutual understanding must guide solutions in the region. President Barzani emphasized the importance of communication over confrontation.
Barrack expressed deep appreciation for Barzani’s ongoing efforts. He praised Barzani’s role in assisting Syrian Kurds and encouraging cooperation with Damascus. He also asked Barzani to continue playing a proactive and positive role.
This conversation took place shortly after Barzani addressed Syria’s future at the MERI Forum in Erbil on October 8. There, Barzani described the current moment as Syria’s “final opportunity” for national renewal.
He urged international players, including Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, to support Syria’s transition. He stressed that all communities in Syria deserve dignity, peace, and political inclusion.
Barzani argued that centralization cannot succeed in a country as diverse as Syria. He made this point clear in past talks with Syrian Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
“Syria is a mosaic,” he said at the forum. “It cannot be ruled by replacing one leader in a central system.”
He insisted that any future Syrian government must empower all ethnic and religious groups. This includes Kurds, Alawites, Druze, and others who have historically lacked fair representation.
Barzani’s call for dialogue in Syria also includes engaging the Kurdish political actors directly with Damascus. He urged Syrian Kurds to become part of the solution by participating in the political process.
“Our brothers in Syria should see themselves as rightful stakeholders,” he said. “They must help shape Syria’s future.”
He compared this strategy to the post-2003 Kurdish experience in Iraq. There, Kurds played a major role in reshaping the nation through participation and cooperation.
Barzani also addressed the role of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). He warned against attempts to dissolve or erase their identity. Instead, he called for a balanced approach that respects their sacrifices.
“The SDF fought ISIS and paid a high price,” he said. “Their identity and role must be protected, not ignored.”
The call for dialogue in Syria reflects a shared vision with Washington. Both Erbil and the US support peaceful resolution, political inclusion, and long-term regional stability.
It also reaffirmed this shared commitment. The leaders agreed to maintain coordination and promote efforts that prevent further suffering in Syria.
