In Washington D.C.’s embassy row, silent structures stand as stark reminders of global diplomatic shifts. Once bustling centers of international relations, these buildings now whisper stories of conflict, political upheaval, and fractured alliances.
The Syrian embassy, shuttered for over a decade, is now slated for reopening. The overgrown foliage that had enveloped the building was recently cleared, and the Syrian flag once again flies above it. This symbolic move highlights the evolving landscape of international politics, even as other embassies remain in a state of disrepair.
The Afghan embassy, closed following the Taliban’s resurgence in 2021, stands as a poignant example. Its overflowing mailbox, filled with yellowed newspapers, tells a story of abrupt abandonment and uncertain futures. Nearby, weeds encroach upon the parking lot of what was once the Russian trade delegation’s residence, a property closed by the US government in response to alleged interference in the 2016 presidential election.
The US government closed the Damascus embassy in 2014, three years after the Syrian revolution against President Bashar al-Assad. Its potential reopening was announced by the Trump administration following a White House visit by Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara, who led the ousting of Assad in late 2024.
However, the Syrian embassy building is reportedly in severe disrepair. Former Syrian diplomat Bassam Barabandi, who defected in 2013, believes it could take years to make it operational again. He recalls that even before his departure, parts of the building were in a state of partial collapse. “Imagine what it must be like now,” he stated.
Down the street, the overgrown shrubs outside the former ambassador’s residence are occasionally trimmed by gardeners employed by wealthy, disgruntled neighbors. A utility company’s gas shut-off notice still clings to the front doorknob.
Just a few blocks from a residence owned by former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, lies the silent Afghan embassy. The area postwoman, Trina Thompson, commented that…
