Explosions in Damascus during Macron visit: What we know

The recent explosions in Damascus coincided with French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit, highlighting the fragile security situation in Syria. Although Macron’s entourage was not directly targeted, the blasts underscored the challenges facing the new government under Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Macron’s visit to Damascus marked the first time an European leader had set foot in Syria since Bashar al-Assad’s ousting in 2024. The Syrian Ministry of Interior downplayed the incident, stating that the explosions occurred outside Macron’s designated security perimeter and did not pose a direct threat. However, analysts point to the deliberate placement of improvised explosive devices as evidence that the French delegation was indeed the target.

The attack appears to be an attempt by anti-government forces to disrupt Syria’s fragile peace process and undermine al-Sharaa’s efforts to reestablish ties with Western powers. The Syrian government has framed Macron’s visit as a doorway to the Western world, but this strategy raises questions about its feasibility. Can al-Sharaa truly expect to win over the West by courting European business leaders, or is this merely a desperate attempt to shore up his government’s legitimacy?

The explosion in Damascus on Tuesday followed hot on the heels of a similar incident at a cafe near the Palace of Justice just days ago. That blast killed at least 10 people and wounded 20, highlighting the persistent threat posed by extremist groups to Syria’s security.

Macron’s comments after the explosions were telling: “Nothing can suppress the aspirations of the Syrian people to live in a fully sovereign, secure, pluralistic and united Syria.” However, for how long can al-Sharaa cling to these ideals while his government struggles to assert control over the country? The Western powers backing him – including France – must be careful not to create unrealistic expectations about what can be achieved in the short term.

The visit also serves as a reminder that the Syrian conflict is far from over. While al-Assad’s ousting marked a significant turning point, it did little to address the underlying issues driving the war. As Macron meets with al-Sharaa to discuss Syria’s reconstruction, one cannot help but wonder what long-term impact this fragile peace process will have on the country.

The security situation in Damascus remains precarious, and extremist groups can still carry out attacks with relative ease. This raises serious questions about the effectiveness of Syria’s security forces. Al-Sharaa and his government must take concrete steps to address these issues if they are to be taken seriously by their Western backers.

As Macron continues his visit, he would do well to remember that the Syrian people’s aspirations for a sovereign, secure, and united country will not be achieved overnight. The road ahead is fraught with challenges, and it remains to be seen whether al-Sharaa’s government has what it takes to deliver on its promises.