International Summit in Paris Aims to Shape Syria's Future

In the aftermath of over a decade of civil war and the rapid ousting of President Bashar al-Assad, Syria remains a nation divided, grappling with a devastated economy and widespread humanitarian crises. An international summit convened in Paris seeks to explore pathways toward stability and a peaceful transition for the war-torn country.

The conference, hosted by France, will include representatives from Turkey, the United States, various Arab nations, the United Nations, and the European Union. Notably, Germany's Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, is set to participate in the discussions.

As the host nation, France aims to unify efforts to address Syria's future, emphasizing the need for a transition that is peaceful and inclusive, while ensuring the nation's sovereignty and security. Despite the removal of Assad, the country remains fractured, with competing forces controlling different regions. In the northeast, Turkish-aligned groups and Kurdish militias vie for control of strategically significant areas. Moreover, the Islamic State (IS), although militarily declared defeated, is believed to have between 2,000 and 3,000 fighters still active within Syria.

Reconstruction of Syria, estimated to cost between $250 billion and $400 billion, is anticipated to be a significant topic at the summit, as the country lies in ruins and its economy has shrunk by 85% since the onset of the conflict. Approximately 70% of the population lives in poverty, while around 80% depend on urgent humanitarian assistance, according to UN reports. France hopes to enhance coordination of humanitarian aid through this summit.

Syria's interim president, Ahmed al-Scharaa, has repeatedly called for the lifting of sanctions imposed against the Assad regime and the economic sectors that benefited it. France has advocated for easing these sanctions within the EU. While some sanctions have been relaxed by the US and the EU, a definitive roadmap for the complete lifting of sanctions has yet to be established by EU officials.

The conference will also address transitional justice and the imperative to combat impunity for crimes committed during the conflict. Proposals from civil society groups will be considered during the discussions.

This summit holds particular significance given France's historical ties to Syria, having acted as a mandate power following the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire. From 1920 to 1946, France oversaw much of Syria's economic and educational systems.

Since the onset of the civil war in 2011, France has consistently supported the aspirations of the Syrian populace, declaring the overthrow of Assad a priority. The country was the first to join the US-led coalition against IS and has provided military support to opposition forces opposing the terrorist group, which has perpetrated several severe attacks in France, including the tragic events of 2015 in Paris.

Although President Emmanuel Macron extended an invitation to interim president al-Scharaa to attend the conference, he will not be present, as the EU still lists him as a terrorist. Instead, Syria's Foreign Minister, Assad al-Schaibani, is expected to represent the country in Paris.