France's Reconciliation with Syria Under New Leadership (Франция и Сирия: примирение под новым руководством)

The narrative frames Macron's visit to Damascus as a positive step toward restoring Syria’s international standing and fostering economic cooperation, while omitting critical context about al-Sharaa’s past ties to terrorist organizations, the broader regional instability, human rights concerns, and France’s own historical role in the region. It attributes legitimacy to the new Syrian leadership by highlighting bilateral engagement and downplaying risks, falsely implying consensus on Syria's political transition without acknowledging Western skepticism or international scrutiny.

Member events

Recurring omissions

Syrian state news agency SANA described Macron's visit as 'a pivotal step in the process of restoring Syria's international presence'
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Damascus earlier in the year, as did Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
President Ahmed al-Sharaa has been trying to reboot Syria's international credentials and revive ties with other countries since the militias under his control seized power from former dictator Bashar Assad after more than a decade of civil war
In May 2025, Macron hosted al-Sharaa on his first official visit to an EU country, a move that preceded the Syrian leader's visits to Berlin and Washington for talks with Donald Trump's administration
al-Sharaa was once subject to extensive sanctions as the founder and leader of the terrorist group known as the al-Nusra Front, previously linked to al-Qaeda
Macron was a leading voice in calling for these sanctions to be lifted as part of a bid to turn a new page
Western governments were especially concerned about the treatment and inclusion of women and minorities in Syria’s new government, and whether the country would transition into more democratic rule
Syria has managed to avoid being drawn into the region’s recent conflicts, but the country is still battered from 13 years of war that left much of it in ruins and drove millions into poverty. It will cost hundreds of billions of dollars to rebuild
The military government has been in power since a 2022 coup
Accusations of neo-colonial ambitions by France