jordan pulse -

Lawyer Mohammad Al-Sbihi

The Ukrainian envoy rushes to Damascus, carrying tonnes of golden wheat as a goodwill gesture, much to the chagrin of the disheartened Russian observer. The next day, a scene unfolds in Damascus: the local official sits flanked by the French minister, a descendant of General Henri Gouraud—the man who occupied Damascus in 1921, famously kicking Salah Al-Din’s tomb while declaring, "Wake up, Salah Al-Din. We have returned. My presence here marks the victory of the Cross over the Crescent." Gouraud, known for institutionalizing sectarian divisions in Syria, applied the same divide-and-rule policies in Morocco and implemented his infamous military doctrine of "attack until extermination" in French-occupied Algeria.

Returning to the present: the French minister, seated to the right of the Syrian official, and a German minister to his left. Between them, two women serve as translators, bridging French and German communication.

The French minister, driven by “heartfelt humanitarianism,” hastened to Syria, not for political or economic interests but to safeguard the minority rights established by her predecessor, Gouraud. She claims France’s sole motivation is the noble pursuit of democracy and the protection of human rights, expecting neither gratitude nor recompense.

As for the elegant German minister, his presence in Syria is puzzling. Germany has had no real stake in Syria since its Ottoman allies departed in defeat after World War I. Nevertheless, he emphasizes Germany's readiness to offer humanitarian aid to Syrians—while conveniently sidestepping Germany’s ongoing military support for Israel, which has continued uninterrupted for 15 months against “Gazan terrorism.”

What brings the French and German representatives together in Syria? A covert agenda: the complete expulsion of Russia from Syria and curbing Turkish influence, all in the name of Syria's independence and sovereignty. This effort, of course, aligns with the legacy of Sykes and Picot.

In colloquial Jordanian terms, one might say: “Seriously? You’re coming to congratulate a new homeowner empty-handed? At least the Ukrainian had the decency to bring a sack of wheat! You couldn’t manage a few croissants or a box of German chocolates?”

Meanwhile, they feign concern for Syrian minorities and social peace.

To the French and German ministers: your destination is wrong. Recalibrate your compass. Head southwest to Tel Aviv, where genocide is being committed, and Palestinian rights are trampled daily. If you cannot halt the atrocities, at least cease your generous support.

As for Damascus's new ruler, one can only hope he counters with this proposition: Russian withdrawal from Syria in exchange for Israeli withdrawal from the Golan Heights to the pre-1967 borders.