Part 2/7:
After a decade of strained relations characterized by a vow of zero engagement with the Assad regime, the EU is making a notable diplomatic comeback in Syria. This includes the reopening of its office in Damascus, signaling a willingness to re-establish communication channels. Surprisingly, Brussels is showing a readiness to engage with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist group that played a key role in toppling Assad. Despite the group being designated as a terrorist organization by both the United Nations and the EU, the approach has shifted towards fostering direct contacts for the sake of stability in the region.