This week, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa will go to Europe for the first time. He made a shocking revelation on Tuesday and is now heading to France. In January, Sharaa took over as head of Syria’s transition government. In March, he assembled a new cabinet consisting of about twenty ministers.
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a rebel organization with historical connections to al-Qaeda, was led by Shara’a in the past. There have been worries that his group’s members are radicals who would repress minorities. Sharaa is attempting to demonstrate that Syria will be a welcoming nation.
It’s crucial that Sharaa go and meet with French President Emmanuel Macron. He has never traveled to a Western nation before. The new Syrian administration has been welcomed by several European nations. Syria desires investment and the lifting of sanctions. It will require time. France is a logical choice for Sharaa’s first journey to the West.
The old colonial power was France, which explains this. It also has interests in Syria and Lebanon and was formerly a colonial power in Lebanon. Regarding Syria and the area, France takes a different stance from the US and the UK. As a result, Syria will likely gain favor in France, which is likely to have a more balanced Middle East strategy. The US and the UK take a more cautious and icy stance.
The French presidency informed AFP that French President Emmanuel Macron will welcome his Syrian counterpart, Ahmed al-Sharaa, on Wednesday. Macron is set to “reiterate France’s support for the construction of a new Syria, a free, stable, sovereign Syria that respects all components of Syrian society,” according to France24.
The presidency announced on Tuesday.
“This meeting is part of France’s historic commitment to the Syrian people who aspire to peace and democracy,”
the French presidential office reportedly stated. Macron will talk about “his demands on the Syrian government, primarily the fight against terrorism and the stabilization of the region, including Lebanon.”
Sharaa’s visit unfolded discreetly behind closed doors
The invitation to visit France really dates back to February, when Sharaa was originally extended the invitation. However, this encounter appears to have developed discreetly behind closed doors. Syria is facing a number of problems. Conflicts have arisen with the Druze. Israel has repeatedly struck Syria.
Damascus is also attempting to proceed with an agreement with the Syrian Democratic Forces, which are supported by the United States. In an effort to balance the many interests in the area, Sharaa has conducted outreach to Turkey and the Gulf. Turkey and France don’t always get along. Being closer to Armenia, France likewise views Ankara’s assertive regional maneuvers with distrust. Additionally, France has backed Kurdish rights in the area.
The trip to France will be closely monitored. Sharaa was shown playing basketball in a recent Syrian video, which gave him a more relatable appearance. Damascus is working to upgrade its infrastructure as soon as possible. It needs funding and assistance. Nonetheless, the new administration in Syria is still being threatened by the existence of some armed organizations and radicals. There are still disputes.
For example, Syria recently promoted a militia leader who was charged with murdering Kurds in 2019. It is not a good thing that Hatem Abu Shakra, who is suspected of being behind the murder of Syrian female political activist Hevrin Khalaf, has been appointed. Reports state that he has been assigned to lead the 86th Division in Syria. If Sharaa wants to be viewed as a united force, he will have to control these types of appointments.
