In an interview with the AP, Tom Barrack claimed that Israel prefers a “fragmented, divided Syria” over a strong, unified state. He added, “I think all the minority communities are smart enough to say, ‘We are better off together, concentrated.’”

Critics argue Barrack has consistently misread the situation in Syria—either due to a lack of understanding of the region or because he’s advancing a particular agenda. He previously supported legitimizing Jolani as a political figure, despite Jolani having no real control over Syria or the jihadist factions fueling its ongoing instability.