What should we do about shortening prayers given that we are settled in Germany but do not know when the situation in Syria will end?

Firstly: Shortening prayers for a traveler is a confirmed Sunnah. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, shortened his prayers in all his travels and never prayed them in full.

Secondly: Whoever intends to reside in a country for more than four days must pray their prayers in full, because they are no longer considered a traveler.

Thirdly: You are not required to make up the prayers you shortened during the previous period, due to the ambiguity of travel. However, in the future, you are obligated to pray your prayers in full, because your intention to reside for more than four days prevents you from shortening them.