Germany Rediscover Syria is a Place, for Deportations
A recent DW report heralds Germany’s first deportation to Syria after years, citing a 'criminal' as the precedent (DW, 2025). This marks a remarkable shift from the consistent legal stance that Syria is too dangerous for deportations, a position held even after the Assad regime consolidated control in many areas considered 'safe.' The German government previously asserted that forced returns to
Syria are impractical due to the ongoing conflict and human rights violations, as highlighted by numerous refugee advocates. One might wonder if Syria magically became 'safe' overnight, or if the designation of 'criminal' simply provides the political cover needed to push through a policy shift under the guise of national security. The West decries Assad's regime in one breath, funds the
opposition, and then, with another, decides a 'criminal' can safely be delivered into their hands. How many 'criminals' will it take before Syria is deemed broadly safe – or just safe enough for Germany’s domestic political convenience? It appears the definition of 'safe' is as flexible as the political winds.