Syrian Transitional President Ahmed al-Scharaa Postpones Visit to Germany Amid Escalating Violence

Ahmed al-Scharaa, the transitional president of Syria, has postponed his planned visit to Germany, initially scheduled for January 19 and 20, due to worsening political and security conditions in Syria. The German government confirmed the cancellation as violence and military confrontations have intensified recently. Al-Scharaa was expected to meet with key German leaders, including President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Friedrich Merz, to discuss the return of Syrian refugees and post-war reconstruction efforts.

The visit was set against the backdrop of a tentative ceasefire agreement between al-Scharaa's government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). This ceasefire includes a 14-point plan, which requires Kurdish forces to be subordinated to Syria's Defense and Interior Ministries and mandates their withdrawal east of the Euphrates River. However, the SDF has not officially confirmed the deal, leaving uncertainties unresolved. Al-Scharaa had planned to discuss these issues further with SDF leader Abdi.

Despite the visit's postponement, a large demonstration remains scheduled in Berlin, organized by Kurdish and Alawite communities among others, anticipating over 10,000 participants. These groups criticize the Syrian government's treatment of ethnic and religious minorities. Concurrently, Germany has resumed deportations of Syrian criminals and faces growing political pressure over calls for the repatriation of Syrian refugees, of which nearly 900,000 currently reside in the country.

The unfolding situation underscores significant diplomatic and humanitarian challenges, as the ceasefire's terms and refugee return discussions remain deeply sensitive amid ongoing unrest in Syria.