Syria’s new President Ahmed al-Sharaa arrived in Paris on Wednesday, marking his first European visit since the December 2024 ouster of Bashar al-Assad. The former jihadist commander, now seeking international legitimacy, met with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss Syria’s reconstruction, minority protections, and potential easing of Western sanctions.
Sharaa, who previously led the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), remains under United Nations terrorism sanctions but was granted a travel exemption for the visit. The meeting signifies France’s cautious engagement with new leadership of its former protectorate, despite concerns over Sharaa’s past affiliations and recent sectarian violence in the country. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot emphasized that France’s support is conditional, stating, “We are not writing a blank cheque and we will judge (him) on actions.”
Sharaa’s visit comes amid ongoing sectarian tensions in Syria, with recent attacks against Alawite and Druze communities raising doubts about the interim government’s ability to control extremist elements. The Franco-Alawite Collective organized a protest in Paris during Sharaa’s visit, citing concerns over alleged mass killings in March.
France, which severed ties with Assad’s regime in 2012, has been gradually re-engaging with Syria’s transitional authorities. In recent months, France appointed a chargé d’affaires in Damascus and has been mediating between Sharaa’s government and Kurdish groups in northeastern Syria, especially as the United States reduces its presence in the region.
Sharaa’s government faces significant challenges, including rebuilding a war-torn economy and addressing the needs of a diverse population. The World Bank estimates Syria’s reconstruction costs at over $250 billion. Sharaa has called for the lifting of international sanctions, arguing that they punish the Syrian people for the actions of the previous regime. He stated, “We Syrians, the victims, are being punished for the acts of our executioner, who is no longer with us.”
Despite his efforts to present a more moderate image, Sharaa’s past affiliations continue to raise concerns among Western nations. HTS remains designated as a terrorist organization by the UN, EU, and US. Sharaa has defended his group’s actions, asserting, “We’ve carried out military operations, we haven’t targeted civilians. Terrorism is about targeting civilians, and we haven’t done that.”
As Syria navigates its transitional period, the international community remains watchful. France’s engagement with Sharaa’s government reflects a pragmatic approach to regional stability, but officials stress that continued support hinges on tangible progress in governance, minority protections, and counterterrorism efforts. As Barrot warned, “If Syria were to collapse today it would be like rolling out a red carpet for Islamic State.”
