Syrian leader Ahmed Al-Sharaa made waves this week after he avoided shaking hands with German Finance Minister Annalena Baerbock. The move has sparked fresh concern about the introduction of conservative policies — days after changes to the school curriculum went viral for similar reasons. Germany and France plan to offer technical help and advice to Syria as it drafts a new constitution.
Al-Sharaa greeted the two officials at the palace entrance in Damascus — briefly shaking hands with French Finance Minister Jean-Noel Barrot. He however avoiding shaking hands with Baerbock and instead opted to place his hand on his chest in a greeting.
Baerbock and Barrot were the first European ministers to visit Syria since rebels seized control of Damascus on December 8. Their trip is intended to send a message of cautious engagement to the Islamist rebels led by Sharaa’s Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, acknowledging their status as Syria’s new rulers while also urging moderation and respect for minorities’ rights.
(With inputs from agencies)
