Germany, France, and other Western nations have begun formal talks with representatives of Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist group that played a pivotal role in the recent overthrow of Syrian President Bashar Assad. The developments mark a significant shift in international diplomacy as Syria enters a new political phase after 13 years of civil war.
On Tuesday, Germany’s foreign ministry confirmed that its diplomats would meet with HTS-appointed interim government officials in Damascus. The discussions will focus on Syria’s transitional process, including the protection of minorities, as well as the possibility of reestablishing a German diplomatic presence in the Syrian capital.
“The possibilities of establishing a diplomatic presence in Damascus are also being explored,” a German foreign ministry spokesperson stated, while underscoring that HTS remains under close scrutiny due to its roots in Al-Qaeda ideology. “So far, they have acted prudently,” the spokesperson noted, referring to HTS’s role in leading Assad’s ouster earlier this month.
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France, too, has taken steps to reestablish its presence in Syria. Jean-Francois Guillaume, the French special envoy for Syria, emphasized France’s commitment to supporting Syrians during the transitional period.
“France is ready to stand with Syrians during this transition, which we hope will be peaceful,” Guillaume said in a press briefing in Damascus. An AFP journalist reported a symbolic moment as the French flag was raised at the embassy entrance for the first time since its closure in 2012, signaling France’s re-engagement with Syria’s evolving leadership.
The end of the conflict has also reignited debate within Germany over its asylum policies. During the Syrian civil war, Germany provided refuge to nearly one million Syrian refugees. However, the German government has paused asylum procedures for Syrians pending a reassessment of conditions in their homeland, citing the need for a careful evaluation of Syria’s stability under its new leadership.
Germany continues to coordinate closely with its international partners, including France, the United States, Britain, and several Arab states, to monitor developments on the ground and ensure a unified approach to Syria’s political transition.
The Italian Prime Minister welcomed the overthrow of the Assad regime, calling it “good news” and expressing readiness to engage with Syria’s new leadership. While noting encouraging initial signs from HTS-led governance, the Prime Minister urged caution in moving forward, emphasizing the need for stability and inclusivity during Syria’s rebuilding phase.
The United Nations humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, echoed this sentiment following high-level meetings with Syria’s new leaders, including HTS leader Abu Mohammed Al-Golani, who now goes by his real name, Ahmed Al-Sharaa.
“I’m encouraged,” Fletcher shared on social media platform X, stating there is “a basis for an ambitious scale-up of vital humanitarian support.” He described the current moment as one of “cautious hope for Syria,” reflecting optimism among international humanitarian organizations.
With Bashar Assad’s regime toppled and the civil war officially ended, Syria now faces the monumental challenge of political transition and national reconstruction. Western nations’ decision to engage with HTS—a group historically associated with extremist ideologies—signals both pragmatism and a willingness to explore new diplomatic avenues for stability in the region.
While challenges remain, including the protection of minorities and addressing humanitarian needs, the involvement of major international players such as Germany, France, and the United States reflects a broader consensus on supporting Syria during this critical period.
As the dust settles, all eyes remain on the emerging government and the role HTS will play in shaping Syria’s future. For Syrians and the international community, the hope is that this transition will mark the beginning of a peaceful and inclusive era for the war-torn nation.
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