Wadephul: Syria today is worse than Germany in 1945! Criticism erupts!

Wadephul: Syria today is worse than Germany in 1945! Criticism erupts!

The situation in Syria remains worrying, as Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) recently noted during a visit to Harasta, a suburb of Damascus. In his statement, he compared the destruction in the country with the devastating conditions in Germany after the Second World War. This statement is causing considerable discussion and is a sensitive issue as it re-fuels the debate about the return of Syrian refugees to Germany. Wadephul's comparison was not only met with approval, but also with massive resistance within the CDU and CSU, where the repatriation of Syrians seeking protection is a central concern.

Wadephul explained that Syria, like Germany after 1945, was so badly destroyed that it was currently not possible for the refugees to return. In Harasta, only 40,000 of the 350,000 people once lived and more than two thirds of the houses have been destroyed. In addition, new mass graves are being discovered every day, which underlines the oppressive situation on site. The minister announced that Germany would continue to support the reconstruction of Syria after the country suffered for a long time under the regime of Bashar al-Assad. Over seven million people have left Syria in recent years, while only a small number of refugees have dared to return.

A tender little plant of hope?

With the ouster of the Assad regime in December 2024, which was overthrown by rebels under the Islamist militia Hajat Tahrir al-Sham, a new era appears to have dawned. But many experts warn about the ongoing dangers and the unstable situation in Syria. Everyday challenges, such as the lack of infrastructure in many regions, still make returning risky. Just under 2,000 refugees have returned to Syria since the beginning of 2025 and, as the UNHCR points out, there is currently no rational basis to encourage returns.

The parallels to reconstruction after the Second World War are undisputed. At that time, there was a remarkable return movement of millions of displaced people in Germany, which was crucial for the reconstruction of the country. Historically, many Germans showed a strong desire to return to their homeland despite the destruction. A similar movement to strengthen the country may also be necessary in Syria to enable a better future. However, the challenge will be enormous as 16.7 million people, or 90% of the population, need humanitarian assistance.

The role of Germany and the future of Syria

Since the beginning of the conflict, Germany has supported Syrian refugees with around 13 billion euros and has taken in over a million Syrians seeking protection. From 2014 to 2024, Syria was the main country of origin for asylum seekers in Germany. There are currently around 712,000 Syrian protection seekers recorded in the Central Register of Foreigners, with 88% having recognized protection status. In the discussion about the future of Syria, it is clear that the political landscape after the fall of the regime is still uncertain. A new interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, is trying to unify the country while the political realities in the country are very different.

However, the debate over the return of refugees is anything but simple. While some returnees, like Syrian refugee Hassam, are visiting family in Harasta, most others plan to stay in Germany for the time being. The atrocities against the civilian population - especially by Christians - underline the problems associated with return. Apart from these human tragedies, decision-makers in Germany and internationally must carefully consider how to deal with the issue of return.

How developments continue will remain exciting. The challenges are enormous, and the hope for peace and reconstruction requires patience and courage from all involved. Time will tell whether historical comparisons can help in making the right decisions.