French President Macron Hosts Syria's Interim President Al-Sharaa

PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 07: French Minister of the Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu arrives at the Elysee Palace on May 07, 2025 in Paris, France. French President Emmanuel Macron is hosting Syria's interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa, marking al-Sharaa's first visit to a European country as leader of the transitional government, following the fall of the Assad regime in December. The pair are expected to discuss efforts to bolster ties between the two countries, as well as security concerns over Israel's increased military operations in Syria. According to human rights groups, hundreds of people have been killed in sectarian violence in Syria since Macron extended the meeting invitation in February, despite al-Sharaa's pledge to protect minority groups. (Photo by Tom Nicholson/Getty Images)