The EU has sent diplomats to negotiate with Syria after the fall of the Assad regime and Bashar al-Assad. Backing a peaceful transition into Syria, the EU sent top German and French diplomats into the war-torn country. Specifically, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and The German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock were in Damascus to negotiate with Syria. This has been the highest level of talks since the change of Syrian leadership in December 2024. Their first stop was the notorious Sednaya prison which was a Death campus a bit north of Damascus. Inside the prison, Barrot and Baerbock toured the slaughterhouse. Visiting cell by cell, they were guided by White Helmet rescuers. White Helmet is a Syrian humanitarian organization located in Turkey. They help aid communities that are gravely affected by the Syrian Civil War. The head of HTS Sharaa is the new leader of Syria who is responsible for rebuilding the war-torn country. Barott stated that he hoped that Syria could become a peaceful and stable country. He also added that his hope was fragile indicating the rebuilding of Syria would be a tough challenge. Accompanying diplomat Baerbock stated that the EU would support Syria during their time of need. They want to promote a peaceful switch between regimes. However, there has been skepticism around the HTS as it is the Syrian branch of al-Qaeda, a infamous terrorism organization. In fact, the HTS remains a terrorist organization by the United States, an important ally of the European Union. Sharaa is trying to revolutionize the image of HTS and to distance themself from the terrorism organization al-Qaeda. After Assad fled to Russia, the United States stated that under certain conditions they could recognize the HTS government of Syria. United States’ Secretary of State Anthony Blinken stated that the United States would ensure the transition of the Syrian government would be safe. Baerbock also indicated that Germany was ready to support restoring social cohesion in Syria. Along with providing that statement, she also requested that HTS would not seek retribution against groups of Syrian inhabitants. She wanted this to help avoid a delay for the Syrian election. On the other hand, Barrot met with the Syrian Christian community and promised France was supporting a Syria who would provide equal rights no matter the religion. Along with the Baerbock and Barrot, each country sent envoys of lower-level delegation to the Syrian capital.
One of the most prominent countries helping Syria, France has a long history with Syria that goes back to the 1900’s. After the fall of the Ottoman Empire in World War 1, French troops took control of Syria and France ruled Syria through a mandate. Just 3 months later, Syrian nationalists started to rebel against France. In March of the next year, Syrian nationalists declared Syrian independence and put Faisal Hussein as King of Syria. During the San Remo Conference, The French government officially got a mandate over the Syrian territory. Henrio Gouraud issued an ultimatum to the king of Syria who surrendered shortly after. Conflict erupted from this territory that made Syria unsafe. After the Second World War, French troops landed in Syria once again to regain control of Syria from Syrian rebels due Syria declaring independence for a second time in 1941. British prime minister Wiston Chruchill demanded that there would be a ceasefire between France and Syria. This led to the newly formed league of Arab states expressing support of Syrian independence and demanding France to withdraw troops from Syrian territory. On the first of August of that year, France agreed to give the Republic of Syria command of the Syrian military. The last of the French troops withdrew on April 17 1946.
One huge step that would majorly help Syria in the reconstruction process is countries lifting sanctions placed on the country and help facilitate the recovery of the civilians of Syria. The sanctions were introduced in 2011 due to violence against the inhabitants of Syria. The European Union placed the sanctions in such a way that would not stop aid to humanitarian services in Syria. The sanctions do not prohibit the transportation of food, medicines, or medical equipment to Syria and do not target the Syrian healthcare system. It prohibits the transportation of goods that could be used to repress the Syrian population. The European Union will not repeal the sanctions unless Syria is able to ensure the protection of minorities within its borders. It would also have to protect women rights. The High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Kaja Kallas stated that while the new regime was a step in the right direction, the EU would need to see more to lift the sanctions. She stated that she would judge Syria by their action and not their words or what they have promised they would do in Syria. In the future, sanctions on Syria could be lifted.
Written by Samarth Irani
