Germany's Asylum Policy Under Scrutiny as Syria Faces Ongoing Persecution

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently stated that Germany should reconsider granting asylum to Syrians following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. However, this statement has ignited concerns among critics who warn that Syria remains dangerously unsafe, especially for minorities and women. Tareq Alaow, a former Syrian refugee and a spokesperson for Pro Asyl, cautioned against hasty conclusions about the situation in Syria. Following al-Assad's ouster in December 2024, he felt a brief spark of hope that a new democratic era could emerge in Syria. “For me, it was a moment of hope that we could build a democracy and a constitutional state in Syria,” Tareq recounts, expressing his initial optimism. However, that hope quickly turned to concern with the rise of Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former leader of an al-Qaeda affiliate in Syria, who became the interim president in January 2025. Tareq, recalling his disillusionment, noted, "These are jihadists." The new leadership has not only failed to protect rights but has actually intensified the persecution of minorities, LGBTQ individuals, and women, Tareq stated. He asserted that the new regime has exhibited no intention of addressing past crimes, as many are themselves implicated in severe human rights violations in northwestern Syria. The ongoing violence in Syria includes brutal attacks on religious minorities, particularly targeting the Alawites, who have been systematically persecuted. Reports have emerged of horrific incidents, including massacres where indiscriminate killings occurred, with upwards of 1,400 civilians reportedly killed during clashes in March 2025, according to United Nations figures. Gruesome atrocities have surfaced on social media, showcasing the harsh realities faced by those in the region. In addition to the Alawites, violence has also erupted in the Druze-majority town of Suweyda, leading to UN concerns about killings, abductions, and sexual violence against women. While al-Sharaa has called for ceasefires and promised accountability for those harming civilians, skepticism remains high among local leaders. Al-Sharaa’s controversial past includes being one of the most wanted terrorists in the U.S., with a $10 million bounty on his head until recently when he was allowed to step into the international limelight as Syria's new leader. His rise symbolizes a troubling shift whereby international powers appear to overlook the group's past transgressions in favor of having a recognized leadership in Syria. Tareq expressed deep worry regarding global engagements with such extremist figures, noting, "The international community is legitimizing exactly this group under Ahmad al-Sharaa in Syria." He fears these political maneuvers could incite further displacement of people fleeing from violence as conditions may not improve in the foreseeable future. The heart of the issue lies in the unsustainable refugee policy, as Tareq points out. Despite the relief efforts meant to deter migration to Germany and Europe, the reality remains that individuals will continue to flee their war-torn homes if conditions deteriorate. Tareq shared his own harrowing experience of fleeing Syria after being persecuted for documenting human rights violations, illuminating the dire circumstances that compel many to leave — circumstances unlikely to change under al-Sharaa’s rule. European leaders must increase diplomatic pressure on the current Syrian government, according to Tareq, as returning Syrian refugees cannot do so safely without a stable environment. "Only if people feel safe can they return permanently," he emphasizes, indicating that many displaced individuals express a desire to return and contribute to Syria's rebuilding efforts. It is crucial for European governments to vocalize their positions on human rights in Syria. Tareq argues that public statements and pressures from Europe could safeguard civilians by highlighting the international community's vigilance. Human rights protection should be firmly tied to any development funding provided to Syria, he insists, calling for a more active role from European leaders to ensure that the suffering of minorities does not continue unchecked. In the absence of safety and political stability, the danger of escalating violence looms large in Syria, where even minor conflicts can have disastrous regional implications. The trajectory of post-al-Assad Syria remains uncertain and fraught with peril, questioning the overall effectiveness of Germany's revised asylum policy amidst a complex and shifting political landscape. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2