Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa visits France this week, marking his first trip to Europe as leader. The meeting with President Macron is critical amid ongoing issues in Syria. Despite historical ties, challenges like extremism and controversial military appointments threaten Sharaa’s push for a more inclusive government.
This week, Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa embarks on his inaugural visit to Europe, landing first in France. The announcement came unexpectedly on Tuesday. Sharaa, who took command of Syria’s transition government in January, subsequently assembled a cabinet of roughly 24 ministers in March. His ties as a former leader of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, a group linked to al-Qaeda, raise red flags regarding extremism and minority rights. He aims to project an image of a more inclusive Syria moving forward.
Sharaa’s upcoming meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron marks a significant moment as it represents his first interaction with Western leaders. European nations, in general, have shown varying degrees of support for Syria’s new government, with Damascus eager to lift sanctions and attract foreign investments. However, this endeavor is likely to be a prolonged process.
France stands out as a logical destination for Sharaa’s Western debut. Historically, it was Syria’s colonial overseer; it also previously held influence over Lebanon, a nation of substantial interest to the French. This historical connection allows France to adopt a different stance than the more skeptical views held by the US and the UK. France is often regarded as a potentially more sympathetic ally for Syria.
The French presidency confirmed that Macron will meet Sharaa on Wednesday, reiterating France’s commitment to establishing a “new Syria” that is free and respects its diverse society. During their conversation, Macron’s priorities will center around stabilizing the region and combating terrorism, issues of critical importance in today’s geopolitical climate.
Interestingly, the invitation for Sharaa’s visit dates back to February, although preparations for the trip seem to have unfolded somewhat discreetly in recent weeks. Syria continues to grapple with multiple challenges, including clashes involving the Druze community and multiple Israeli strikes. Furthermore, Damascus is seeking to negotiate with the US-aligned Syrian Democratic Forces amidst the tumultuous regional landscape.
To navigate these complexities, Sharaa has also sought dialogue with Turkey and Gulf nations while maintaining a careful balancing act. Unlike Turkey, France’s relations with regional powers, particularly with Armenia, appear more favorable. Moreover, France has been known to stand up for Kurdish rights, which further complicates the dynamic in the region.
All eyes will be on Sharaa during this pivotal visit. Recently, a viral video of him playing basketball showcased a more relatable side of his persona to the public. As Syria strives to enhance its infrastructure, inviting investments is a pressing need. Yet, the persistent presence of extremist elements and armed groups casts doubts over the stability of his administration, with controversies arising around military appointments.
One such contentious move involves the recent promotion of Hatem Abu Shakra, who stands accused of involvement in the tragic murder of Kurdish activist Hevrin Khalaf in 2019. His elevation to head the 86th Division has not been well-received domestically or abroad. If Sharaa hopes to establish himself as a unifying leader, he must take steps to mitigate such divisive choices.
President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s upcoming visit to France marks a significant moment for Syria as it seeks to re-establish its presence in the international community. The visit reflects both the historical ties between France and Syria and the nuanced diplomatic efforts needed to navigate regional dynamics. However, challenges remain regarding perceptions of extremism and internal military controversies. For Sharaa to succeed in his aims, he will need to project unity and stability within Syria’s new government.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
