Farhad Shami: Tom Barak, the architect behind the massacres against Kurds, Alevis and Druze, represents a brand of dirty diplomacy built on extortion, shady deals and imposing dictates through threats and coercion. His mafia-style methods of managing the Syrian case and manipulating the fate of the country's diverse communities will not remain hidden behind closed doors forever. The day will come when the truth will be revealed about his behind-the-scenes dealings, the nature of his back-room deals and his role in fueling conflict and bloodshed in Syria. The more Syrians move away from its influence and mafia-style methods, the closer they are to a safer and more stable future.

Farhad Shami: Tom Barak, the architect behind the massacres against Kurds, Alevis and Druze, represents a brand of dirty diplomacy built on extortion, shady deals and imposing dictates through threats and coercion. His mafia-style methods of managing the Syrian case and manipulating the fate of the country's diverse communities will not remain hidden behind closed doors forever. The day will come when the truth will be revealed about his behind-the-scenes dealings, the nature of his back-room deals and his role in fueling conflict and bloodshed in Syria. The more Syrians move away from its influence and mafia-style methods, the closer they are to a safer and more stable future.