Baerbock denied handshake again by Syrian leader

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock visited Syria on Thursday, marking her second trip there since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad three months ago. The visit aimed to foster talks with the ruling group and to reopen the German embassy in Damascus, closed since 2012 due to the Assad government's actions. During her meeting with the self-declared President Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, Baerbock emphasized the need for a new beginning between Europe and Syria, advocating for rights and opportunities for all Syrians. However, for the second time, Sharaa refused to shake her hand, an act that has sparked widespread criticism and discussions about gender protocols in international relations. The incident follows a similar snub in January, which was dubbed "Handshake Gate" by the media. On that occasion, Baerbock’s male counterpart was offered a handshake while she was not, highlighting the gender-related dynamics in diplomatic meetings with hardline figures. Baerbock noted that she anticipated there would be no ordinary handshakes on this trip. The rejection has led to debates online about diplomatic gestures and the implications of such incidents in the context of international politics. Critics suggested that Germany and Europe are yielding to attitudes shaped by strict interpretations of Islamic law. Despite these challenges, Baerbock remains committed to her advocacy for women and minorities in Syria.