-
Europe Sets Conditions for Syria: Extremist Group Control as Prerequisite for Support
-
European stance towards the new Syrian government carries clear signals: no easing of sanctions or direct financial support without tangible steps to curb extremist groups and implement political refo
European messages directed at the new Syrian administration are no longer diplomatic or vague but are now direct and explicit, particularly regarding the need for firm action against extremist groups.
According to informed sources, a meeting between European envoys and Syrian Foreign Minister, Asaad al-Shibani, focused on imposing strict surveillance over armed factions. The meeting included warnings that international support for Syria would be conditional on taking practical measures to secure the situation.
French Foreign Ministry spokesperson Christophe Lomouan stated, "The violations recently committed in Syria cannot be overlooked," stressing the necessity of identifying those responsible and holding them accountable. He added, "The West is closely monitoring Syria's leaders to ensure they are on the path to reform," highlighting that halting extremist group abuses is a shared condition among European countries and the United States.
Can Damascus Control Armed Groups?
The question arises about the ability of the new Syrian administration to handle armed groups that not only pose internal threats but also influence the international community's stance on Syria's future.
Syrian journalist Mohammad Abdullah, speaking to "Sky News Arabia," stated, "The biggest challenge for the new administration is curbing the influence of extremist factions, which threaten not only general stability but also the very existence of the new government."
He added, "Dealing with these groups requires more than just political decisions, as it relates to their extremist ideologies, as well as the presence of foreign fighters within their ranks, making containment even more complex."
He further pointed out that "the previous experience in coastal Syria provided a real test of the government's ability to investigate violations and hold perpetrators accountable, which will be decisive in determining how compliant it is with international demands."
Europe: Sanctions vs. Aid – The Calculations Continue
Journalist Maya Khadra notes that "lifting European sanctions on Syria remains tied to a set of conditions outlined at the Brussels donor summit."
She pointed out that "recent tensions in coastal Syria have hardened Europe's position, with Brussels becoming more resolute in its demands."
However, Khadra clarifies that "humanitarian aid has not stopped, as the European Union approved a financial aid package worth 5.8 billion euros for Syria, reflecting continued European interest in the Syrian issue, but without offering concessions."
She also reveals that "some economic restrictions have been eased, including lifting the ban on five Syrian banks and loosening restrictions on vital sectors like energy and transportation, leading to partial improvements in electricity services."
Yet, she stresses that "Europeans remain hesitant to fully trust the new Syrian administration, given the ongoing uncertainty about its commitment to political reforms and human rights."
Foreign Fighters and Syria's Political Future
The issue of foreign fighters remains a primary concern for Western capitals, with some reports confirming that these fighters are still part of Syria's military landscape.
Mohammad Abdullah states, "There are international precedents, like in Bosnia, where some foreign fighters were integrated or granted citizenship as a long-term solution. However, in Syria, this approach seems more complicated due to the ideological nature of these groups."
For her part, Maya Khadra suggests that "the new administration needs to take tangible steps if it wants to gain the international community's trust, whether concerning controlling foreign fighters or implementing political and economic reforms that would make Syria a more acceptable partner regionally and internationally."
What Lies Ahead for Syria?
Amid European pressures and internal complexities, the new Syrian government faces difficult tests, with a clear equation: no international support without tangible steps on controlling armed factions and enhancing stability.
Still, the question remains open: Can Damascus meet these conditions without facing further internal confrontations? The answer will unfold in the coming months, as all eyes are on the path the Syrian administration will take in this crucial phase.
