Thousands flee as Syrian rebels close in on third major city
NBCDec 08
European Countries Halt Syrian Asylum Bids After Assad's Fall
Above: Syrian refugees wait in a queue at the Cilvegozu crossborder gate before entering Syria at Reyhanli district in Hatay on Dec. 9, 2024. Image copyright: OZAN KOSE/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
Several European nations, including the UK, Germany, and France, have suspended Syrian asylum applications following Pres. Bashar al-Assad's ouster.
On Monday, Turkey's Pres. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan pledged to reopen the Yayladagi border gate with Syria to enable the return of millions of Syrian migrants.
The Spin
Right narrative
Europe, facing mounting asylum pressures and shifting political tides, is right in curbing migration. With Assad gone, political stability in Syria no longer justifies granting additional asylum claims. Europe's priority must be to immediately stop the avalanche of appeals on applications from Syrians, and stabilize borders so it can respond to emerging issues.
Left narrative
Europe must uphold its humanitarian values by resisting the premature returns of Syrian refugees. A sustainable solution lies in supporting voluntary, dignified returns through economic aid, diplomatic engagement, and partnerships with Arab states and the UN. Hastily sending refugees back risks human rights violations and encourages reliance on dangerous migration routes. Europe must take a more patient and compassionate view of the crisis.