German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, accompanied by French Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, made headlines with their surprise visit to Syria, where they met the newly appointed leader Ahmed al-Scharaa. This diplomatic trip marks significant interaction between European officials and Syria's new Islamist leaders, set against the tumultuous backdrop of the country’s post-civil war environment.
The meeting, which took place on Friday, was described as fraught with challenges. Baerbock approached the Syrian leadership with "outstretched hands" and "clear expectations" for the future of Syria. Ahmed al-Scharaa, who has adopted the title after shedding his previous moniker, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, may not be the ideal candidate from Europe’s perspective. His past connections to jihadist movements have raised eyebrows among European nations, yet he surprisingly enjoys support among many Syrians as the successor to the ousted dictator Bashar al-Assad.
Observing how al-Scharaa is viewed by the Syrian populace is complex. Despite his controversial past, the majority acceptance he receives suggests Europeans may need to reconsider their expectations. Western leaders often pine for more palatable alternatives; yet, as Baerbock noted, waiting for what may be deemed more "acceptable" leadership could be unrealistic. Then there’s the sobering reality: Al-Scharaa is unlikely to transform overnight. His leadership style seems modeled after autocrats, such as Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, establishing relationships with countries globally, including recent engagement with Saudi Arabia even before the European ministers arrived.
Before departing for Damascus, Baerbock outlined her primary conditions for engagement with the Syrian government. She asserted the need for inclusivity for all ethnic and religious groups, ensuring rights are upheld, particularly women’s rights. "We must measure the new leaders by their actions," she proclaimed, setting the standard for future European support. Baerbock acknowledges the prevailing belief within Syria, shaped by years of civil conflict, which creates both hope and trepidation about the future.
Reflecting on the political climate, Baerbock expressed concern over the fracturing of Syrian society. "On one hand, there is great hope for freedom, but on the other, there is fear this hope will evaporate, particularly for women," she noted. Throughout these talks, the necessary conditional support for Syria’s recovery hinges on the handling of women and minority rights. Baerbock emphasized, "If these rights are trampled on, then no one can claim freedom, and we could face the next wave of oppression."
Baerbock highlighted some positive shifts, such as the appointment of women to prominent roles, including the central bank’s leadership. Nevertheless, she voiced alarm over conflicting messages about women’s roles within society, which could spell trouble for the new administration’s commitment to liberalizing policies.
The new Syrian leader, al-Scharaa, alongside his advisers, is faced with the monumental task of reconciling various factions, from secular Alawites to Kurds, and even Islamist extremists. Just recently, it was reported six out of fifty top positions within the newly restructured Syrian army were allocated to more extremist factions, reflecting the internal rivalry and complications with governance.
With al-Scharaa projecting timelines for the establishment of a new constitution, observers have noted his insistence on requiring three years for drafting before moving on to elections, considering this timeframe pragmatic amid Syria’s multifaceted conflicts. Such insights provide European leaders with caution: real change, if feasible, will demand patience.
Interestingly, Baerbock stressed the importance of cooperation with Gulf states during Syria's transitional period. She explained, living arrangements of the past have shifted, and engaging regularly with Gulf counterparts is pivotal for alignment on key strategies moving forward. Likewise, she noted the need for collaboration with Turkey, citing shared interests, even as both parties acknowledge ideological divisions.
Enduring skepticism toward al-Scharaa's intentions remains among Western officials. Significantly, when Baerbock approached him for a handshake, he declined, subtly underscoring both ideological divides and the challenges leaders face when trying to forge relationships with unyielding regimes. Such interactions are not just formalities; they reflect the ideologies underpinning their governance mechanisms, and Baerbock was candid about these obstacles. "We as Europeans do not want to be funding engines of Islamization," she declared, reiteratively outlining Europe’s stance during the meetings.
This diplomatic visit encapsulates Europe's challenging balance of promoting human rights within Syria, recognizing the geopolitical realities on the ground, and fostering relationships with leadership viewed as unorthodox by democratic standards.