The two European foreign ministers’, French Jean-Noël Barrot and Germany’s Annalena Baerbock, met the new Syrian government and its de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, in Damascus on January 3, 2025. The meeting didn’t go well and without controversy.
We all know that our handshake can reveal a lot about our character. For example, a handshake can convey various traits such as confidence, warmth, and sincerity. A firm handshake often suggests confidence and assertiveness, while a limp handshake may indicate shyness or a lack of interest. Additionally, the duration and grip of the handshake can offer further insights into a person’s personality and intentions.
In every context, a handshake is a subtle yet powerful nonverbal communication that can leave a lasting impression. This may mean the difference between inferiority and subordination, weakness or dominance in politics. Although traditions vary across cultures, the traditional handshake, when required, remains consistent.
When a handshake speaks more than thousands of words
If anything, the world leaders should have learned at least one thing from President Trump: a proper handshake speaks more than a thousand words.
The hesitation displayed by top French politician Jean-Noël Barrot—caught between offering a firm, confident handshake and resorting to a weak “finger clutching”—is disappointing and somewhat pathetic.
It is customary for the guest to wait until the host extends their hand for a handshake. The guest should respond with a proper handshake and avoid lingering, as this may force the host to lean forward to connect their hand with the guest’s hand, as in this case. Even though Mr. Barrot placed his hand on his heart, as is customary in Syrian culture, his ridiculous handshake, if it can be called that, overshadowed that gesture. A diplomat has no excuse for an awkward “finger clutching.” If Barrot is the best France has to offer to French diplomacy, France is in big trouble.
Germany’s performance didn’t impress either. Annalena Baerbock, the country’s foreign minister, was sidelined as the two diplomats greeted each other awkwardly. Standing at a considerable distance from Syria’s new de facto leader, with her hands clasped at the front, while making awkward hand movements toward guests. Her posture did not convey Germany’s status as an economic powerhouse in Europe.
Lack of homework or pure provocation
One might question whether a more appropriate representative could have been chosen to meet Syria’s new leader, especially considering the importance of this meeting.
Before the visit, two European leaders were well informed of the conservative views held by Syria’s leading political faction, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), particularly regarding women’s issues. Despite this knowledge, the German government didn’t consider more subtle approaches to confronting Syria’s de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa. It is unclear whether they aimed to showcase Germany’s firm stance on women’s rights issues or to embarrass Annalena Baerbock, known for her sharp tongue and direct textbook approach. Whatever the case, the visit hardly improved the relations between the two countries.
Diplomatic blunders may extend beyond courteous relations
The Syria “handshake gate” was not about sexism or a gender issue. It was simply about the incompetence of two European leaders and their respective governments. Whatever people may say, Barrot’s “finger clutching” wasn’t expected from an experienced French politician, nor was it appropriate. It portrays Barrot as weak and undermines his role as a diplomat. This incident reflects poorly on France, as Barrot represented the French government and the values of its people.
Despite the diplomatic plunder, contrary to Barrot, Germany’s Annalena Baerbock delivered a clear and concise message to the Syrian de facto leader and government: they must respect women’s rights and protect all people.
Where do we go from here?
The negative impression caused by the two ministers’ meeting with Syria’s de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, cannot be undone, as it was broadcast almost immediately. Even though the German minister tried to belittle the scandal, the following social media debate didn’t improve the matter either.
The European leaders will be remembered by the two scandals: the “Sofagate” involving Ursula von der Leyen in Turkey and the “Handshake gate” by the ministers Jean-Noël Barrot and Annalena Baerbock in Syria.
There is only one way, and it is forward, trying to cope with the aftermath of the scandal involving the two European leaders. Whether the Syrian government made a mental note of the incident and the attention it received, they can be sure that Europe, as we see it today, is only a shadow of what it is supposed to be.
If the EU members are to engage in serious communication and courteous diplomacy with the new Syria, they must do their homework before the next meeting. Another choice is to go along with the vacuum the previous administration left behind. If not addressed correctly, that will have far-reaching effects even in Europe, as the volatile situation in the Middle East is about to explode out of proportion.
“Think Before You Act” could well be the following slogan for any forthcoming elections in Europe, as it depicts the status of the EU, which continues its warmongering and confrontational foreign policy on several fronts.
Image by Phil Reese from Pixabay.
