Frankfurt (Germany), January 3 (LaPresse) – Social media in Germany is abuzz with controversy over the refusal of Ahmad al-Sharaa, the de facto leader of Syria—previously known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani—to shake hands with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. In a video of the meeting circulating online, al-Jolani is seen shaking hands with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot but does not do the same with Baerbock.
As noted by German media, al-Jolani, as an Islamist, generally does not shake hands with women. A small gesture of greeting, such as the one he directed toward Baerbock, can already be considered a form of courtesy. Baerbock did not appear bothered by the lack of a handshake. However, al-Jolani's greeting sparked outrage on social media.
One user commented, “I would have gone there only if it was made clear in advance that he would shake Baerbock's hand in public.” Others questioned why dialogue was pursued despite such gestures. "Germany negotiates with terrorists and gets humiliated for it," another user wrote.
Baerbock and Barrot are the first EU foreign ministers to visit Damascus. They also toured Assad's infamous Saidnaya torture prison. The aim of the trip is to hold talks with the transitional government established by the rebels and to assess the situation on the ground.
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