German Foreign Minister’s Visit to Syria Marred by Controversy
A diplomatic row has erupted between Germany and the new Islamist government in Damascus, following a snub by the Syrian strongman Abu Muhammad al-Jaulani, who refused to shake hands with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. The latest controversy has emerged as the Islamist group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has anonymously edited a photo of the foreign minister on social media, along with two other women who were present at the meeting, reportedly translators.
HTS, which currently enjoys the support of Western states for a state-building process in Syria, has a history of extremism and has been linked to al-Qaeda. The group’s leader, al-Jaulani, was designated as a terrorist by the US in 2013, and was allegedly tasked by al-Qaeda in Iraq to overthrow the Syrian government and establish an Islamic caliphate.
Despite these concerns, Baerbock has expressed a desire for moderation and understanding with other key actors, leaving the exact nature of the West’s support for the former al-Qaeda fighters unclear.
The HTS-led forces, under al-Jaulani’s command, have taken over the power in Syria, replacing the three-month transitional government that had previously ruled the rebel-held enclave in the northwestern province of Idlib. The US has designated al-Jaulani as a terrorist, citing his role in planning attacks and promoting a violent, sectarian vision.
Reports continue to emerge of the HTS leadership maintaining contacts with al-Qaeda. The controversy surrounding Baerbock’s visit to Syria highlights the complex and sensitive nature of the Syrian conflict, as Western powers navigate a delicate balance between supporting moderate rebels and addressing concerns over extremist groups.