European Ministers Engage with Syria's New Leadership Amid IS Concerns
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European Ministers Engage with Syria's New Leadership Amid IS Concerns

ERBIL — French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock arrived in Damascus on Friday, marking the first high-level European diplomatic visit to Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in December 2024.  

The ministers are scheduled to meet with Ahmed al-Sharaa, Commander-in-Chief of Syria's new administration and former leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the group that spearheaded the overthrow of Assad. The visit reflects cautious European engagement with Syria's new Islamist-led government amid growing security concerns.  

Speaking ahead of the visit, Baerbock stressed Germany's support for rebuilding Syria as a "sovereign, stable, and inclusive state." She urged the administration to prioritize democratic reforms, avoid reprisals against minority groups, and preserve secular education and judicial systems.  

Barrot, addressing the challenges of Syria’s transition, expressed hope for peace while noting the fragility of the current political landscape. Both ministers highlighted concerns over recent Islamist-led amendments to the educational curriculum and cultural content, which have drawn criticism from international observers.  

Meanwhile, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov warned of the potential resurgence of Islamic State (IS) during Syria's transition. Speaking to Russian media, Ryabkov said the collapse of Assad-controlled prisons has enabled IS sleeper cells to reemerge in at least 14 regions, including areas near the Iraqi border.  

The visit by Baerbock and Barrot underscores the European Union’s careful approach to Syria, encouraging inclusive governance while balancing concerns over Islamist influence. This diplomatic engagement highlights both the potential and the fragility of Syria’s post-Assad transition.  

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