On March 17, 2025, the EU will host a donor conference for Syria, focusing on humanitarian aid following the ousting of Bashar Assad, with Germany pledging €300 million. Concurrently, the US continues airstrikes against Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen amidst escalating regional tensions. Discussions will also cover EU policy on Iran and the Middle East.
On March 17, 2025, the European Union (EU) is set to host a donor conference aimed at providing aid to war-torn Syria after the ousting of Bashar Assad. Germany has pledged an additional €300 million to assist both internally displaced Syrians and those who have fled to neighboring countries. This conference represents the international community’s ongoing commitment to address the humanitarian crisis following a prolonged civil war in Syria.
The EU foreign ministers are expected to discuss its policies concerning Iran and the broader context of the Middle East during prior meetings. This comes amid the backdrop of escalating tensions, particularly related to the ongoing conflict in Yemen, where United States airstrikes targeting Iran-backed Houthi forces continue.
Recent US airstrikes in Yemen have focused on the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah and the Al Jawf governorate, reportedly killing at least 31 civilians and injuring over 100. The US Central Command has reaffirmed its operational strategy against the Houthis, whom they label as terrorists, reflecting a broader effort to counter Iranian influence in the region.
The upcoming donor conference is crucial, as it will be the first attended by a representative from Syria since the political upheaval. The German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock emphasized that a peaceful future for Syria depends on an inclusive political process. The situation remains dire, with 16.7 million people in Syria requiring assistance, and the economy projected to take over 50 years to recover to its pre-war state under current conditions.
In summary, the EU’s donor conference for Syria highlights the international community’s ongoing efforts to provide humanitarian assistance and promote political stability in a region recovering from years of conflict. Germany’s significant financial commitment of €300 million underscores the urgency of the humanitarian situation. Concurrently, tensions in Yemen illustrate the complexities of Middle Eastern geopolitics, with continued US military actions against Iranian-supported forces reflecting broader strategic interests in the region.
Original Source: www.dw.com
