France will not abandon 'freedom fighters, like the Kurds': Macron

France will not abandon freedom fighters, like Syrian Kurds — French President Emmanuel Macron, November 5, 2024/ Photo: CC/ Présidence de la République France

Macron says the West must not be naive about Syria’s new Islamist authorities

PARIS,— French President Emmanuel Macron has reaffirmed France’s unwavering support for Kurdish fighters in Syria, emphasizing their critical role in combating Islamic State extremism even as Syria transitions to Islamist-led rule.

Macron’s statement comes amid rising violence in northern Syria and ongoing diplomatic challenges following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad.

“France will not abandon freedom fighters like the Kurds, who have been at the forefront of the fight against extremist groups,” Macron said.

He called on Western nations to approach Syria’s new Islamist-led government with caution, stressing, “We must not be naive about the regime change in Syria.”

The new Syrian leadership, headed by Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, is drawing mixed reactions from the international community.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock recently traveled to Damascus, marking the first high-profile Western visit since the transition. However, their diplomatic overture faced setbacks, including al-Sharaa’s refusal to shake Baerbock’s hand, underscoring lingering tensions.

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) find themselves in an increasingly volatile situation as clashes erupt in northern Syria. Fighting between Turkish-backed Syrian Islamist militants and the SDF around the city of Manbij has left over 100 fighters dead since Friday, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The group reported that 85 fighters from pro-Turkey Islamist mercenary groups and 16 SDF members were killed in the ongoing violence, highlighting the precarious security landscape in Syrian Kurdistan.

Macron also touched on broader regional challenges, identifying Iran as a major threat to stability. He pointed to Tehran’s accelerating nuclear program, which Western nations suspect is aimed at developing weapons, and its support for Russia in the war against Ukraine.

“Iran is the main strategic and security challenge for Europe and the Middle East,” Macron stated, warning that the situation is approaching a critical juncture.

In a broader critique of international dynamics, Macron accused tech billionaire Elon Musk of interfering in democratic processes, including upcoming elections in Germany.

“Ten years ago, it was unimaginable that the owner of a global social platform could directly influence elections,” Macron said, suggesting that former U.S. President Donald Trump sees Musk as an ally in advancing his agenda.

As the region faces growing instability as Islamists took control over Syria, Macron’s comments reflect France‘s commitment to supporting key allies like the Kurds while navigating complex geopolitical challenges in the Middle East.

(With files from AFP)