Damascus club shooting sparks fears of restriction on freedoms

A deadly shooting Monday at a Damascus club, days after another attack on the capital’s nightlife, has sparked fears, adding to concerns that personal freedoms may be restricted under Syria’s Islamist authorities.

Since the fall of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December, the international community has been pressing the new authorities to respect personal freedoms, protect minorities and include all components of society in its transition.

The perpetrators of Monday’s shooting at the…