"...President Obama’s commitment to advance US interests by improving communication with the Syrian government & people.."

Politico/ here

Obama has nominated diplomat Robert S. Ford to be the first U.S. ambassador to Syria since 2005...... “Ambassador Ford is a highly accomplished diplomat with many years of experience in the Middle East," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said in a statement. "His appointment represents President Obama’s commitment to use engagement to advance U.S. interests by improving communication with the Syrian government and people. If confirmed by the Senate, Ambassador Ford will engage the Syrian government on how we can enhance relations, while addressing areas of ongoing concern."

Undersecretary of State Bill Burns is traveling to Syria this week to discuss it further, as well as efforts to ensure that Syria help prevent insurgents from crossing its border into Iraq, especially ahead of Iraq's elections next month, Syrian-Lebanese relations, and chiefly, Iran.

The timing of the White House announcement of the plan to return an envoy to Damascus also has a great deal to do with Washington's efforts to signal Iran that its failure to engage will lead to greater international isolation and pressure. Syria is one of Iran's closest allies, and both nations arm militant groups Hamas and Lebanese-based Hezbollah..."