Syria is joining a donor conference for the first time in a crucial step for its new leaders
BreitbartMAR 17
EU Hosts Syria Aid Conference Amid Post-Assad Transition
Above: EU High Representative and Vice-President for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas (C), Syria's interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani (C-R), at the Brussels IX Conference "Standing with Syria" on March 17, 2025. Image copyright: Nicloas Tucat/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
The transition presents a historic opportunity to rebuild Syria and establish inclusive governance, with the EU's support through sanctions relief and aid helping to stabilize the country and prevent it from becoming a failed state that could harbor extremists. However, the humanitarian aid gap left by the Trump administration cannot be filled by the EU alone.
Narrative B
The new Islamist leadership under Ahmed al-Sharaa raises serious concerns about minority rights and sectarian violence, as evidenced by recent attacks on Alawite communities, while the group's terrorist designation by the UN complicates international engagement. The EU has a long and problematic road ahead of it in Syria.