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Syria in chaos: Fall from Assad triggers cheers and fears!
The takeover of jihadist rebels in Syria leads to new challenges for Europe, including Austria's asylum policy.
Syria in chaos: Fall from Assad triggers cheers and fears!
A dramatic change of power has taken place in Syria: the Assad regime has fallen, and the dictator Bashar al-Assad fled to Moscow. This overthrow was brought about by jihadist rebels, in particular by the Islamist group Hajat Tahrir al-Scham (HTS). The population celebrated the takeover in the streets of Damascus, while thousands of Syrian refugees hope for a possible return to their homeland. In view of this new situation, the International Organization for Migration warned of a threatening wave of migration, since tens of thousands of members of religious minorities are on the run, reported Today.at.
Reactions in Germany and Austria
The political reactions to Assad's fall was not long in coming. Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) welcomed the development as "good news" and emphasized that the Assad regime had "countless life on conscience". Many Syrians who fled to Germany also welcomed the events: in Berlin there were celebrations in which around 4,000 people gathered in the Kreuzberg district. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, however, turned to the public and warned of the risk that "other radicals" could take over the power. It called for comprehensive protection for ethnic and religious minorities in Syria and an inclusive political process, which confirmed the voices of numerous politicians who demand a solution in accordance with the UN Resolution 2254 ZDF.
In a conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Austria's Chancellor Karl Nehammer emphasized the need to protect Syria's sovereignty and to coordinate support for the return of refugees. At the same time, the Austrian government promised a stop for asylum applications from Syria to react to the new challenges. The thanks to Erdogan's role in the ceasefire negotiations and reminded of the important humanitarian aspect of this crisis, since the EU plans to establish an "air bridge" for relief goods to Syria in order to support the population Today.at.