the country’s new strongman, Ahmad al-Chareh, refuses to shake the hand of a German minister

During the arrival in Damascus of the French and German foreign ministers this Friday, January 3, a scene caught attention. Jean-Noël Barrot, head of French diplomacy, was greeted with a handshake from Ahmad al-Chareh, formerly known as Abou Mohammed al-Joulani, leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham ( HTC), a group that took control of the country after the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad. On the other hand, her German counterpart Annalena Baerbock saw her gesture ignored, al-Chareh contenting herself with a simple greeting. This behavior, although rare in international diplomatic protocols, is not unprecedented, and is often part of a rigorous conception of relationships between men and women.

Before this meeting, the ministers visited Saydnaya prison, near Damascus, a symbol of repression under the Assad regime. In a message published on X, Jean-Noël Barrot reaffirmed that France and Germany stand together “alongside the Syrian people, in all their diversity», and wish to promote a peaceful transition. This visit marks a turning point in international relations with Syria, being the first by foreign ministers of major Western powers since the new leaders came to power.