The power shift in Syria has triggered a debate in Germany over deportations to the country.. The situation has “basically changed” with the toppling of strongman Bashar al-Assad, said Alexander Throm, the union’s parliamentary group spokesperson for internal affairs (CDU), to the “Handelsblatt”.
This applies particularly to the refugees in Germany who primarily fled from Assad. “We must review if the protection status does not lapse,” Throm said. “Additionally, voluntary return should be supported.” “Everyone must be clear: flight is a temporary residence.”
CDU foreign policy expert Roderich Kiesewetter advised delaying a decision on the short-term prospects of the Islamist groups that carried out the coup, whether they really are moderate, whether they will create a stable Syria, and whether they will cooperate with each other. “If this is the case, then it would be the time for a new beginning in the region and also in relation to the refugee movements a completely changed situation for Europe,” Kiesewetter said to the “Handelsblatt”. However, “there is also the danger of a caliphate emerging or terror structures spreading.”
SPD faction vice-chair Dirk Wiese warned against premature demands for deportations. Syria now has a difficult road ahead. “Many things are still unclear and unclear,” Wiese said to the newspaper. “Many who are now giving hasty advice and prognoses have not predicted this development with the toppling of Assad, as we see it now, two or three weeks ago.