Ethnic Lobby Alliance Targets U.S. Ambassador Over Pro-Türkiye Syria Policy
In an unusual alliance, three U.S.-based ethnic lobbying groups — the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), the Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC), and the American Friends of Kurdistan — have jointly demanded the removal of Ambassador Tom Barrack, who currently serves as both the U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye and the U.S. Special Envoy for Syria.
This coordinated campaign erupted after Barrack publicly advocated for a unified Syria under one army and one government — a stance perceived as favoring Türkiye’s territorial integrity priorities over Kurdish separatist goals in northern Syria. The lobbies accuse Barrack of advancing a pro-Türkiye agenda that allegedly undermines the rights of ethnic minorities, particularly Kurdish factions aligned with the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
What Sparked the Backlash?
The controversy ignited following several interviews in which Barrack acknowledged the SDF’s ties to the PKK, a group officially designated as a terrorist organization by both the U.S. and Türkiye. His remarks included clear support for Syria’s sovereignty, stating the U.S. should not support autonomous zones that could trigger further conflict in the region.
These statements clashed directly with ANCA’s long-standing narrative, which views the Turkish government’s policies as oppressive toward Armenians, Greeks, and Kurds. ANCA responded by launching a social media campaign demanding Barrack’s dismissal, calling his position “dangerous,” “biased,” and “anti-democratic.” They were soon joined by HALC and American Friends of Kurdistan.
“Tom Barrack owes America an apology for echoing Erdoğan’s policies on Syria,” ANCA declared on its official Facebook page, tagging the other organizations in solidarity.
A Deepening Strategic Divide
The alliance of Armenian, Greek, and Kurdish lobbies isn’t random — it reflects an increasing trend of diaspora organizations coordinating pressure campaigns in Washington to counter Türkiye’s growing diplomatic influence. These groups argue that Barrack’s policies ignore the struggle for Kurdish autonomy and minority justice in Syria.
In contrast, Ankara has welcomed Barrack’s remarks as a long-overdue recognition of regional realities. Turkish officials praise him for focusing on de-escalation and opposing fragmented governance that could empower militant networks.
Barrack’s recent comments and vision for the region were also covered by international outlets, including: Daily Sabah, Turkiye Today and Anca Grassroots Facebook post.
What’s at Stake?
This public demand marks an escalation in the lobbying war over U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East — particularly in Syria, where Kurdish militias backed by the U.S. have long been a point of friction between Ankara and Washington. Barrack’s insistence on respecting national borders and discouraging ethnic breakaway zones is seen as an attempt to realign U.S. policy with long-term regional stability — even if it means upsetting powerful lobby groups.
This growing rift exposes how deeply foreign lobbying influences U.S. diplomacy. The call to recall an ambassador over policy disagreements — especially when that policy aligns with international law and U.S. counterterrorism strategy — raises questions about the role of diaspora politics in shaping national foreign policy.
Tom Barrack has yet to respond publicly to these demands.