Germany and France have taken significant steps to engage diplomatically with Syria, emphasizing their commitment to supporting stability and cooperation following the recent leadership change. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and her French counterpart, Jean-Noël Barrot, made their first joint visit to Syria to meet with the country's new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa. The mission highlights the urgency of stabilizing the security situation on the ground and protecting the rights of all minorities within the war-torn nation.
The visit marks the first time since the HTS rebels took control of Damascus and ousted former leader Bashar al-Assad. Baerbock and Barrot's diplomatic efforts reflect the European Union's prioritization of establishing lasting peace and addressing the humanitarian crises stemming from the prolonged conflict. "Our goal is to support a peaceful and consistent transition..." Barrot reiterated, underscoring the necessity of cooperation between Syria and Europe.
During their visit, Baerbock and Barrot also inspected Sednaya prison, known for detaining and torturing Assad's opponents. Highlighting the bleak conditions still prevailing, the situation offered the ministers insight on the monumental task of rebuilding Syria's governance systems devastated by years of brutality. Both ministers maintained the focus on crafting solutions for the refugee crisis, caused largely by the decades-long conflict.
"We want to become partners with the new powers, but there are clear expectations, too," Baerbock stated, as they emphasized the need for Syria to become a functioning state with legitimate governance. The European governments are looking for quick improvements to the security situation to deter another migration wave toward the EU, after millions of refugees fled to Europe during the conflict.
Al-Sharaa, who previously served as the leader of the Islamist group HTS and has recently dropped his former alias, Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, is aware the EU's support is pivotal for Syria's recovery. Despite his position as head of the new Islamist-led interim government, the meeting between him and Baerbock took complications when he declined to shake her hand, which is customary among Muslim fundamentalists when interacting with women. Such diplomatic missteps could escalate tensions, especially as Europe seeks to build bridges with the new regime.
One imperative aspect noted during the discussions was Germany's eight-point plan for humanitarian assistance, which includes contingencies for accountability, criminal prosecution, and the safe return of Syrian refugees. Baerbock emphasized this initiative supports her vision of constructing inclusive governance, stating, "A restart is only possible when the new Syrian society offers all Syrians, regardless of gender or ethnic background, a stake in the political process." Addressing past grievances will be necessary to establish trust as the region moves forward.
Despite faced with skepticism from various analysts and humanitarian experts, EU representatives remain hopeful. Sascha Ruppert-Karakas from Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich warned, "Expectations should be tempered considering the political environment and historical allegiances. It will be a delicate balance when negotiating with the new leadership."
This European mission to Syria doesn’t just spotlight immediate humanitarian needs; it also reflects on the potential opportunities for fruitful negotiations, conflict resolution, and improved living conditions for everyday people still suffering from the legacies of madness and destruction wrought by war. The EU's primary envoy, Kaja Kallas, reiterated the EU's stance, highlighting the necessity for respect for civilian rights and protection of minorities during these negotiations. "Our message to the new Syrian leadership... is of utmost importance," Kallas noted.
The ministers’ visit also coincides with France's effort to regain its diplomatic influence in the Middle East. With sophisticated regional strategies being formulated, President Emmanuel Macron hopes to strengthen ties by redistributing France's presence and exploring opportunities for assistance to Lebanon as well. France has already reoccupied its closed embassy in Damascus, signaling its return to active participation amid the shifting political landscapes.
What lies next for Syria hinges not only on the formal engagements of foreign powers, but also on the domestic evolutions within the nation itself. Changes made to the leadership, alongside developing strategies for the inclusion of various ethnic and religious minorities, raise questions about governance and representation under the new regime.
While EU Foreign Ministers were meeting with the new regime, the situation on the ground remains precarious. Traditional Syrian factions, international interests, and local sentiments are all colliding within this complicated puzzle. The clock is ticking as humanitarian needs grow alongside geopolitical crises. Failure to grasp these urgent realities may hinder the diplomatic mission's potential for genuine progress.