Shifting Sands: Europe’s Refugee Policy faces a new Chapter
The aroma of sesame and pomegranate hangs heavy in the air at Narenj, a small restaurant in Orleans, France. Nabil Attar, the owner, expertly prepares mutabal, a traditional Syrian eggplant dip, a recipe passed down from his mother. His culinary journey,however,is far removed from his past life as a successful businessman in Damascus.
Attar’s life took a dramatic turn nearly a decade ago when the Assad regime kidnapped his son. “It was so intricate,” he recalls, describing the coercive tactics used to extort money. “I paid a lot of money to get my son back.”
Like hundreds of thousands of others, Attar and his family fled Syria in 2015, seeking refuge in Europe. They found a home in Orleans, a city steeped in history, yet worlds away from their former life. The recent news of Assad’s downfall, however, has brought a new set of challenges.
“I never imagined in my lifetime it could happen,” Attar says, his voice filled with emotion as he watches videos of Syrians celebrating Assad’s fall. “Now Syria is free.”
But this newfound freedom in Syria is prompting a complex reassessment of refugee policies across the European Union. Rising anti-immigration sentiment is fueling calls to suspend Syrian asylum claims, based on the argument that the initial reasons for seeking refuge no longer exist.
Germany, which accepted nearly a million Syrian asylum seekers between 2015 and 2016, is among the nations grappling with this issue. While Chancellor Olaf Scholz has affirmed that integrated refugees are welcome, some politicians are proposing financial incentives for Syrians to return home – a policy already implemented by Austria.
France, despite hosting a comparatively smaller Syrian refugee population (around 30,000), is also witnessing a hardening of attitudes. A recent poll revealed that 70% of the French public supports halting new asylum applications. Jordan Bardella, president of France’s far-right National Rally, voiced this sentiment, stating, “As we hear that Syrian refugees are rejoicing in the fall of dictator Assad, let’s engage in sending them home. And let’s hope Europe shuts the door after they leave.”
This shift in policy is causing alarm among Syrian refugees and human rights advocates. Many fear returning to a country still grappling with instability and uncertainty. olivia Sundberg Diez, Amnesty International’s EU migration and asylum advocate, emphasizes, “The situation in Syria is extremely volatile, extremely unpredictable. What is most critically important should be the safety of Syrian refugees and people that are seeking protection — this has to be prioritized over political interests.”
Will Todman, deputy director and senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and international Studies, warns against hasty repatriation. “Rushing the return of millions of Syrians would put even more pressure on Syria at an extremely fragile moment and would undermine the prospect of a successful transition,” he notes.
These concerns are echoed within the Syrian community in Orleans. Ramez Ghadri, a Syrian gynecologist who settled in France decades ago, expresses worry about the future of Syria, stating, “they’re extremists,” referring to the new leadership. Ehad Naily, a Syrian human rights lawyer, shares similar concerns, highlighting the ongoing challenges in Syria, including damaged infrastructure and simmering ethnic and religious tensions. “You can’t say ‘the regime is destroyed,you can now live in Syria’,” he emphasizes.
The situation underscores the complex interplay between geopolitical shifts, domestic politics, and the human cost of conflict and displacement. as Europe grapples with its response, the stories of individuals like Nabil Attar serve as a stark reminder of the human consequences at stake.
Syrian Refugee’s Journey: From Assad’s Shadow to French Success
Nabil Attar’s story is a testament to human resilience. Escaping the brutal Assad regime in Syria, he sought refuge in France, leaving behind a life filled with fear and uncertainty. His journey, marked by hardship and loss, ultimately led him to build a thriving life in Orleans, a city that welcomed him with open arms.
Attar’s escape was fraught with peril. He recounts the harrowing experience of having his older son kidnapped, a trauma that underscores the dangers faced by those fleeing conflict. Yet, amidst the darkness, a glimmer of hope emerged.His son, now a pilot, symbolizes the family’s determination to rebuild their lives.
“You can’t force people to leave host countries if there’s no stability there,”
Attar’s words highlight the complexities of refugee resettlement, emphasizing the need for stability in home countries before repatriation can be considered. His viewpoint offers valuable insight into the challenges faced by both refugees and host nations.
Finding solace in Orleans, Attar discovered a welcoming community. He learned to navigate a new culture, mastering the skills necessary to open his own restaurant, Narenj – “bitter orange” in Arabic. His culinary talent quickly garnered a loyal following.
“He’s well-known here. He’s got lots of loyal customers,” said Sophie Martinet, attar’s former French teacher who has now become a friend. ”He’s undeniably talented. And people like Nabil.”
Martinet’s testimony underscores the positive impact Attar has had on his community. His success story serves as an inspiration, showcasing the contributions refugees can make to their new homes.
Even in his newfound safety, the long arm of the Assad regime continued to reach him. attar describes the persistent harassment and extortion attempts by the Syrian secret service, painting a vivid picture of the regime’s pervasive control.
“This regime, they keep tracking everyone,” he said.”It was a business, a network. It was organized crime.”
Now a French citizen, Attar feels secure, but his concern extends to other refugees. He believes those who are working hard and integrating into French society should not fear deportation.
“People who are working, who are doing their best, who are well integrated in society — they will not be affected by what’s happening in Syria,” he said.
Despite his successful integration into French society, Attar harbors a longing to return to Syria, but only after the fall of Assad. He dreams of revisiting his homeland, seeing his family and friends, and walking the streets of his past.
“I would like to go back, visit my family, my friends,” he said. “See the streets where I worked, where I lived.”
For now, however, his future lies in France, a testament to his resilience and the promise of a new beginning. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of conflict and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
