On July 7, 2026, French President Emmanuel Macron, accompanied by Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, visited the Umayyad Masjid in Damascus. This marked the first visit by a French president to Syria since 2009. Macron wrote a message in the guestbook praising Damascus’s history and cultural diversity, stating, “I am delighted to be in this place, which embodies Damascus and long centuries of history, religions, and civilizations—where Roman temples and Christian churches embrace one another, telling the story of the Syrian people's unity and the strength of their history.” He continued in the message—which circulated on social media— “In these times of uncertainty facing the region, Syria is rising anew—thanks to its people and their own efforts, and through their unity and aspirations for the future. France stands by its side.” The French president concluded by signing his full name and title.

Meanwhile, President Al-Sharaa wrote, “Praise be to Allah, who has honored us and exalted Syria and its people through the depth of its history, civilization, and heritage. We shall remain servants to the country and its people as its history unfolds to tell a magnificent new chapter; today, Damascus has become a destination and a landmark for those who love it.” Macron had arrived in Damascus—the first visit by an EU head of state since the fall of the Assad regime in 2024—where he was received by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani.

Al-Waie: Have France and the enemy of Allah (swt), Macron, become friends with Syria’s new rulers? Are they not enemies of Allah (swt) and the Islamic Ummah? Did Syria’s new rulers forgive France for its colonial and criminal record against Syria and its people? Or did they forgive it for its contemporary record of deep involvement in the shedding of Muslim blood?!