Syrian President Makes Surprise Visit to Paris: What's Next?

Syria’s interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa , the ex-jihadist whose troops toppled the dictatorship of Bashar al-Assad Last December, they met on Wednesday with the French President. Emmanuel Macron It was his inaugural journey to Europe.

The upshot: The French leader stated that he would advocate for the removal of EU sanctions – which were imposed starting from 2011 – should Al-Sharaa persist with reforms and rebuilding efforts that uphold the rights of Syria’s various religious groups. Additionally, he mentioned that he would work towards persuading the U.S. to do the same.

The goal: France, with regional players Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey, favors swift relief from Western sanctions against Syria to speed the rebuilding of a country wrecked by civil war and mass emigration.

But the US has been more cautious, giving Damascus a list of conditions for sanctions removal that include icing out Iran, expelling Palestinian groups, and giving the American military a free hand in Syria.

The bombshell: During the meeting, Al-Sharaa revealed Syria has been holding indirect security talks with Israel. That’s a big deal Since Assad lost power, Israel has carried out airstrikes on Syrian military locations, increased a "buffer zone" within its borders, and undertaken such actions. air strikes supporting Syria's Druze community .

Any possibility of reaching an agreement with Israel – which is deeply suspicious The intentions of Damascus — which would greatly enhance Syria’s chances for stability and prosperity.

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