Is a Democratic Syria Achievable or Just a Fantasy? My Love for Brussels

In the latest edition of a talk show from Brussels, the panel discusses various pressing issues, including the new beginning in Syria, ongoing diplomacy in Ukraine, and allegations of bribery related to the Chinese telecoms giant Huawei. The participation of a Syrian government representative in an international conference in Brussels raised questions about support for the new Syria, particularly in light of recent decisions to lift sanctions. The panel debated whether these political gestures were premature and whether Syria was truly ready for a fresh start.

A new era is said to be dawning in Syria, with the signing of a provisional constitution by the new leader following the unexpected toppling of Bashar al-Assad’s regime by rebels. Calls for a more inclusive Syria that respects individual rights, including those of women, have emerged. However, the new leadership faces significant challenges, as much of the country’s infrastructure has been destroyed, leaving millions of people in need of urgent aid. Despite efforts towards healing and reconciliation, violence continues to plague Syria, raising doubts about the promises made by the new rulers and the feasibility of overcoming deep-seated divisions.

The panel also addressed the anniversary of Putin’s illegal annexation of Crimea, which ultimately led to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The recent talks between Putin and Trump in an effort to end the conflict in Ukraine raised concerns about the potential division of Ukraine’s territory between the two leaders, reminiscent of historic conferences like the Yalta Conference. The absence of European representation at the table, unlike the Yalta Conference where Winston Churchill was present, also sparked debate about the motives and implications of the discussions between Putin and Trump.

Finally, the panel delved into the bribery allegations against Huawei, following previous scandals such as Qatargate that shook the Brussels institutions. Belgian investigators are probing allegations of active corruption within the European Parliament, leading to raids and arrests in Belgium and Portugal. The case has reignited concerns about questionable lobbying practices in Brussels and raised questions about the ease of pay-to-play in EU institutions. The parallels drawn to earlier ethics lessons learned from scandals like Qatargate further underscore the need for greater transparency and accountability.

Overall, the panel discussion highlighted the complex and interconnected nature of global issues, from the challenges facing a new Syria to the ongoing diplomatic efforts in Ukraine and the allegations of bribery in Huawei. The need for careful consideration of political gestures, accountability for corruption, and the implications of international relations were central themes of the conversation. As these issues continue to unfold, the panel emphasized the importance of dialogue, transparency, and ethical governance in addressing the pressing challenges facing the international community.