Fire, smoke and promises: The drama behind Macron's historic visit to Syria
Macron's visit to Damascus: The French president did not let explosions near the hotel where he was staying confuse him and declared that his country intends to assist in the economic and military reconstruction of…
Assessment
A French presidential visit to Damascus, despite nearby explosions, signals a major shift in international posture toward the Syrian government. The French leader's pledge of economic and military reconstruction aid breaks years of Western isolation of the Assad regime. The Syrian president's celebration of a 'new Syria' suggests this visit is being used to project domestic legitimacy. The key question is whether this represents a broader Western policy change or a one-off diplomatic gamble.