The Syrian President’s European Debut: Seeking Legitimacy and Financial Aid

Fabrice Balanche, a geography lecturer at Lyon-2 University and a specialist in Syria and the Middle East, author of "Lessons from the Syrian Crisis" (Odile Jacob, 2024), provides insights into the upcoming visit of Syrian President Ahmed al-Charaa to Paris. This marks al-Charaa’s first visit to Europe, where he is scheduled to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron. The visit carries significant weight for both al-Charaa and the new Syrian government, who are eager to solidify their position on the international stage and address the country’s dire economic situation.

The Quest for International Legitimacy

According to Balanche, the primary objective for al-Charaa is to secure international legitimacy. Since assuming power, al-Charaa has primarily engaged with leaders from the Arab world, including the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia and the President of Turkey. Notably, the Emir of Qatar even visited Damascus, signaling a potential shift in regional dynamics. However, a visit to Europe represents a crucial step in al-Charaa’s efforts to broaden his acceptance beyond the Middle East.

The United States remains a particularly complex obstacle for al-Charaa. Given the past circumstances involving a bounty on his head, direct engagement with the U.S. administration is currently improbable. Therefore, Europe presents a more viable avenue for al-Charaa to demonstrate his willingness to engage with the West and seek recognition from influential global players. While Europe might not be the ideal destination given his situation with the US, it certainly provides a valuable alternative.

A Plea for Sanctions Relief

In addition to seeking legitimacy, al-Charaa is expected to advocate for the lifting of sanctions imposed on Syria. These sanctions, implemented by the European Union and other Western nations, have severely crippled the Syrian economy, hindering reconstruction efforts and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. While some European countries have reportedly started to ease certain sanctions, al-Charaa aims to accelerate this process and secure broader relief.

The rationale behind lifting sanctions is multifaceted. Proponents argue that easing restrictions could facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, allowing international organizations to address the urgent needs of the Syrian population. Furthermore, reducing sanctions could stimulate economic activity, creating jobs and improving living conditions for ordinary Syrians. However, opponents remain cautious, fearing that lifting sanctions could inadvertently benefit the Syrian government and prolong its grip on power.

The Pursuit of Financial Assistance

Perhaps the most pressing issue for al-Charaa is securing financial assistance to rebuild Syria’s shattered infrastructure and revive its economy. The country has endured years of devastating conflict, leaving its cities in ruins and its economy in shambles. Reconstruction efforts require massive investment, and the Syrian government lacks the resources to undertake this task alone.

Al-Charaa hopes to convince European leaders to provide financial aid or to encourage investment in Syria’s reconstruction. He will likely argue that supporting Syria’s recovery is essential for regional stability and for preventing the resurgence of extremism. However, European leaders are likely to be cautious, wary of providing funds that could be misappropriated by the Syrian government or used to support its authoritarian policies.

Balancing Pragmatism and Principles

The meeting between Macron and al-Charaa presents a complex challenge for both leaders. Macron must balance the pragmatic need to engage with the Syrian government to address regional security concerns and the moral imperative to uphold human rights and democratic values. He will likely seek assurances from al-Charaa regarding political reforms, the protection of human rights, and the pursuit of a peaceful resolution to the Syrian conflict.

Al-Charaa, on the other hand, must demonstrate his willingness to cooperate with the international community while safeguarding Syria’s sovereignty and national interests. He will likely emphasize the need for a pragmatic approach, arguing that stability and reconstruction are prerequisites for political reforms. He may also highlight the Syrian government’s efforts to combat terrorism and to promote reconciliation among different communities.

A Tentative Step Towards Engagement

The meeting between Macron and al-Charaa is unlikely to produce immediate breakthroughs, but it represents a tentative step towards engagement between Syria and the West. The visit provides an opportunity for both sides to communicate their priorities, to explore areas of potential cooperation, and to lay the groundwork for future dialogue. Whether this engagement will lead to meaningful progress towards a resolution of the Syrian conflict remains to be seen, but it underscores the growing recognition that isolating Syria indefinitely is not a viable strategy. The international community will be closely watching to see if al-Charaa can effectively leverage this opportunity to secure legitimacy, sanctions relief, and financial assistance, while also addressing concerns regarding human rights and political reform. His actions following this visit will be critical in shaping Syria’s future and its relationship with the rest of the world.