German and French Ministers Enter Syria in bulletproof vests, underscoring the volatile and uncertain political situation in the country. This visit represents a pivotal moment in the evolving international landscape surrounding Syria and its future in the wake of the Assad regime’s collapse.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and her French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot made an unexpected visit to Syria on Friday, marking the first official trip by European Union foreign ministers to the country since the dramatic ousting of President Bashar al-Assad in December.
The ministers’ journey signifies the cautious approach the European Union is adopting towards the newly established powers in Syria, led by rebel forces from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
A Historic Visit: The First EU Ministers in Post-Assad Syria
The visit by Baerbock and Barrot, two prominent European leaders, is historically significant, as it is the first time in years that EU ministers have entered Syria. Their arrival comes on the heels of the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, which had controlled the country for over two decades.
After the dramatic shift in power, led primarily by HTS forces in December, Syria finds itself at a crossroads, with the future of its political structure, its international relations, and its governance in limbo.
Baerbock and Barrot’s visit, which was kept under wraps until their arrival, signals Europe’s cautious attempt to engage with the new leadership in Syria. As the ministers deplaned, the sight of Baerbock wearing a bulletproof vest upon arriving at Damascus International Airport underscored the dangers of the trip.
A video showing members of the Syrian welcome committee refusing to shake Baerbock’s hand further indicated the fraught nature of the diplomatic atmosphere. This careful, pragmatic visit suggests that the EU is aware of the challenges involved in engaging with Syria, yet it is also ready to explore ways to re-establish dialogue.
د فرانسې او جرمني د بهرنیو چارو وزیران سوریې ته ورسېدل pic.twitter.com/mFI5LJ3YNJ
— Abdulhaq Omeri (@AbdulhaqOmeri) January 3, 2025
The ministers’ discussions in Damascus centered on the core issues of human rights, moderation, and political inclusivity, essential aspects that will determine the future direction of the EU’s relationship with Syria.
Baerbock was clear in her expectations, stating that Germany’s engagement with Syria would depend on the actions of the new government, with particular emphasis on whether it upholds human rights and ensures the protection of Syria’s diverse ethnic and religious communities.
The Shift in EU Policy: From Opposition to Engagement?
Historically, the EU’s stance towards Syria has been one of firm opposition, particularly during the tenure of President Assad. The Assad regime’s brutal suppression of dissent, especially in the early years of the Syrian civil war, led to strained relations with the West.
The EU imposed sanctions on Syria and its leaders, in part due to widespread allegations of war crimes, including the use of chemical weapons, extrajudicial killings, and the systemic targeting of civilians.
However, the EU’s visit to Syria suggests a shift in policy, one that signals openness to engaging with the new authorities in the hope of contributing to the country’s stability and eventual reintegration into the international community.
While Baerbock and Barrot emphasized their “outstretched hand,” their caution was apparent, with clear messages that any future cooperation would be contingent on Syria’s political trajectory.
Baerbock stressed the need for moderation in Syria’s new leadership, recognizing the historical ties and ideological roots of HTS. She acknowledged the group’s role in the Syrian conflict, highlighting its potential for both positive transformation and continued challenges.
The EU’s focus, therefore, is on monitoring Syria’s leaders for signs of inclusivity and moderation, key elements for future cooperation. The visit was also an opportunity to set expectations for the Syrian government, which will likely face increasing international pressure to demonstrate its commitment to human rights and governance reforms.
For Barrot, the primary goal was to ensure the establishment of a “sovereign and stable Syria,” stressing the importance of integrating the Kurdish fighters into the broader national framework.
This would not only bring political stability but also address the regional complexities that have characterized Syria’s conflict for over a decade. The EU ministers’ visit can be seen as a diplomatic effort to encourage political solutions to Syria’s deep-rooted challenges.
A Look at Sednaya Prison and the Reopening of the French Embassy
The ministers’ visit to Syria was not only about high-level diplomacy; it also involved symbolic gestures aimed at addressing the country’s painful past.
Baerbock and Barrot visited Sednaya Prison, a site notorious for its association with torture and extrajudicial killings under Assad’s regime. Sednaya has long been a symbol of the repression that characterized Assad’s rule, where thousands of political prisoners were subjected to inhumane treatment.
Baerbock referred to Sednaya as a “prison of hell,” underscoring the importance of international efforts to seek justice for those who suffered under the previous government. This visit, in conjunction with the diplomatic meetings, serves to remind the new leadership of Syria of the international community’s expectations for accountability and transparency.
The EU ministers have made it clear that any steps towards a meaningful political solution and reintegration into the international fold must involve a reckoning with the regime’s human rights abuses.
In a more tangible sign of diplomatic engagement, Barrot and the French delegation took the significant step of reopening the French embassy in Damascus. The embassy had been closed since 2012, shortly after the onset of the Syrian civil war. The move to reopen the embassy signals a potential shift in France’s approach to Syria.
Barrot described the reopening as a step toward re-establishing diplomatic relations with Syria, contingent on the evolving political and security conditions. This gesture is a calculated risk, as it indicates that Europe may be willing to build new diplomatic ties, but only if Syria’s future governance aligns with broader international norms.
While reopening the embassy might be seen as a move towards engagement, it also reflects the complex dynamics at play. France and Germany, two leading European powers, appear to be setting the stage for a more constructive dialogue with Syria, provided the country shows signs of transformation and reforms.
As Europe explores new avenues for diplomacy, it remains clear that Syria’s future in the global community is far from assured and will depend on concrete political and human rights progress.
Syria’s Path to Stability and International Reintegration
Despite the optimism expressed by Baerbock and Barrot during their visit, the road to Syria’s reintegration into the international community remains uncertain. Syria’s new leadership, led by HTS, faces immense challenges in rebuilding a country devastated by years of civil war.
In a recent statement, HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa noted that holding elections could take up to four years and that drafting a new constitution could take as long as three years. These timelines underscore the scale of the tasks ahead for Syria and its new government.
The EU’s cautious engagement will likely depend on how Syria addresses key issues such as human rights, political inclusivity, and the integration of minority groups like the Kurds.
The international community is watching closely to see whether the new leadership can provide a stable and inclusive political framework that offers hope for Syria’s war-weary citizens and ensures the protection of the country’s diverse ethnic and religious groups.
As Baerbock and Barrot left Syria, their visit set the stage for future diplomatic efforts, but also highlighted the obstacles that lie ahead. Syria’s reintegration into the international community is not a straightforward path, and Europe’s cautious engagement will likely evolve in response to the actions and decisions of Syria’s new leaders.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏