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ConflictTwo bombs explode in Damascus day after Macron's Syria visit
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On July 6th 2026, French President Emmanuel Macron became the first major Western leader to visit Syria since the fall of the Assad dictatorship, bringing a delegation of French CEOs to meet with Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former al-Qaeda militant turned statesman. The visit aimed to attract foreign investment and recognition for Syria's recovery. However, the following morning, two bombs exploded in central Damascus, underscoring the fragility of the country's security and the immense challenges of reconstruction, estimated to cost over $200 billion. The article, published by The Economist, analyzes the limits of Syria's recovery amid ongoing violence and the complex geopolitical landscape, including Iran's changing dynamics and Turkey-Israel tensions.
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Emmanuel Macron is greeted by explosions in Damascus
Photograph: David Guttenfelder / New York Times / Redux / Eyevine
Jul 7th 2026 | DAMASCUS AND HOMS | 4 min read
On July 6th, Emmanuel Macron, the French president, became the first major Western leader to visit Syria since the toppling of the Assad dictatorship. He brought with him a coterie of French CEOs.
Mr Macron's host, Ahmed al-Sharaa—an al-Qaeda militant turned statesman—must have been thrilled. He has chased foreign investment and recognition since seizing power some 18 months ago.
The two bombs that rocked central Damascus the following morning were far less welcome. They are a reminder of the limits of Syria's recovery.
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Explosions Near Macron's Hotel During Historic Syria Visit Wound 18