Paris Attacks May Shift French Priorities in Syria from Regime Change to Counter-Terrorism Efforts

The wave of deadly attacks that hit Paris on Friday night, which left over 140 dead and hundreds injured, has led analysts to speculate that the French administration may prioritize countering terrorism rather than demanding a change in the political system in Syria. The attacks have claimed responsibility by the Islamic State (IS) and have raised concerns about the global spread of terrorism.

Key Takeaways:

• Analysts believe that the French administration may re-evaluate its priorities in Syria, shifting focus from regime change to counter-terrorism efforts.
• The French government has explicitly stated that it will fight the IS at home and abroad, which may translate to increased military pressure against the group.
• Osama Danura, a Syrian analyst, argues that the West must change its foreign policy toward Syria and join Russian efforts to strike terrorist groups without distinction.
• Danura suggests that the West has empowered extremist groups in Syria, which has contributed to the spread of terrorism.
• Anas Joudeh, a Syrian opposition figure, believes that the attacks will empower the anti-terror international coalition and may lead to a bridging of the gap between Western countries and Russia in the next phase of the conflict.
• Joudeh expects the attacks to contribute to a shift in the political approach toward Syria, potentially leading to detente on the international arena.

Statistics:

• Over 140 people were killed in the Paris attacks (Xinhua)
• Hundreds of others were injured in the attacks (Xinhua)
• The Syrian conflict has lasted for five years, with over 40 people killed in bombings in Beirut on Thursday (President Bashar al-Assad)
• The Syrian Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks, noting that terrorism has no boundaries and will rebound on its backers (Syrian Foreign Ministry)
• The French administration has stated that it will fight the IS at home and abroad and has rendered support to certain rebel groups in Syria that are deemed moderate but may be manifestations of hardline jihadism (Osama Danura)

Sources:

• XINHUA NEWS AGENCY, DAMASCUS, Nov 14, 2015
• Statement by the French presidency, earlier this month