Syria's Ahmed al-Sharaa Tours Europe as Germany Pushes 80% Refugee Return

Al-Sharaa ignored an Israeli reporter's question during a joint press conference with Chancellor Merz.

“Followers of Hebrew media clearly notice the widening scope of attention to the Syrian file and the movements of President Ahmad al-Shar'a, an attention that reached the level of following his tour in Germany with its precise details, and the presence of Kan's official correspondent, Dov Gil-Har, in Berlin to cover the joint press conference between German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the Syrian president, on Monday in the German capital”

Al-Jazeera Net

Israeli media condemned the snub as inappropriate and racist, while Arab social media saw it as a calculated political statement.

Al-Jazeera Net

The episode highlighted unprecedented Israeli media attention on Syria.

The tour occurred months after Germany reopened its embassy in Damascus.

Merz announced 80% of Syrians should return to Syria within three years, attributing it as al-Sharaa's wish.

Al-Sharaa promptly denied the claim, saying the chancellor made the comment.

Anadolu Ajansi

The announcement sparked widespread criticism as Merkel's open-door policy became a distant memory.

DW reported growing domestic opposition within Germany.

Germany announced economic aid to Damascus of 200 million euros for 2026.

“Most Syrian refugees in Germany expected to return home in three years, Merz says Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz says that he and the Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa hope that 80% of the Syrians in Germany will return home in the next three years”

BBC

Al-Sharaa emphasized circular migration allowing contributions to reconstruction without abandoning lives in Germany.

The tour included talks in London, the first since Assad's fall.

Observers noted reintegration of Syria even as return pressures increase.

Human rights groups warned that Syria remains unsafe for returns.

The contradictory messages between Merz and al-Sharaa sowed confusion.

DW

The Arab world's reaction to al-Sharaa's Israeli snub demonstrated enduring hostility.

The volatility of these negotiations poses risks for regional stability.