Syria: Trump's outstretched hand to the Assad regime

In a world where international relations seem as stable as a Jenga tower at the end of the game, former US President Donald Trump surprised many by extending a hand... or perhaps just a middle finger, to Ahmad al-Sharaa, one of the Syrian regime's top brass. With Syria having been the scene of a brutal conflict for years, Trump's return to the world stage leaves no one indifferent.

A helping hand: testing policy

Trump's unexpected move appears to be part of a reassessment of his former enemies. Based on the principle that "you can't make an omelet without breaking eggs," the real estate mogul has always liked to play with fire. His strategy could appeal to some who see normalizing relations as an opportunity to ease tensions in Syria. But is it really the solution, or just a risky gamble like Trump is so adept at pulling off?

Syria: a minefield

Al-Sharaa, for its part, is not just any player on the Syrian chessboard. As a key player in Bashar al-Assad's regime, it embodies continuity in a country devastated by years of civil war. For Trump, it might seem appealing to shake hands with such individuals to prove he is still capable of the greatest diplomatic maneuvers. But what will his supporters, who place democracy and human rights at the heart of their foreign policy, say? For them, talking to al-Sharaa is a bit like asking an alligator to keep a duck alive. This raises real questions about the real objectives of this approach.

A fragile balance

But beyond the power plays and posturing, the real question remains: what can this outstretched hand actually achieve? Between sanctions, bombings, and months of stalled negotiations, the Trump era has undermined any notion of trust. While we were hoping for a return to normalcy, we must remember that the Syrian throne is built on ashes, and the slightest spark could rekindle the flames of an already simmering conflict. Don't the exchanges suggested by Trump risk further inflaming this explosive situation?

In short, Trump's attempt to ally himself with al-Sharaa is like a game of chess where all the pieces have already fallen. But who knows? Perhaps this initiative could lead to discussions of a different kind. A reminder that in the cutthroat world of politics, anything is possible... even the improbable.