Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa had hoped to showcase his country’s transformation toward democracy during French President Emmanuel Macron’s historic visit to Damascus this week. Instead, the visit was overshadowed by violence after explosions in the capital injured at least 18 people, marking the second such attack in Damascus this month. No group has claimed responsibility for either attack. Yet the violence highlighted the deep security challenges facing Syria as Sharaa’s government attempts to consolidate power and present itself as a new chapter after decades of authoritarian rule.