Damascus: Syrian Christians attended Sunday services for the first time since President Bashar al-Assad was overthrown last week, marking a test of the new Islamist rulers’ assurances to protect minority rights. The Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which seized power, has emphasized its commitment to ensuring the safety and freedoms of Syria’s minorities.
In Damascus’ Bab Touma neighborhood, worshippers filled the streets after church services, but many remained cautious. Maha Barsa, a local resident, admitted to being apprehensive, saying, “We’re scared, we’re still scared.” Despite no incidents so far, she described the situation as “ambiguous.”
In Latakia, a former Assad stronghold, Christians also expressed mixed feelings. Lina Akhras, a parish council secretary at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, noted that Christians had lived comfortably under Assad’s rule regarding freedom of belief. “Thank God, we received a lot of assurances,” she said, expressing hope for peace and stability under the new leadership.
Syrian Christians attended regular Sunday services across the country amid uncertainty after the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad a week ago https://t.co/vnRIHshzfZ pic.twitter.com/KwJo1naO3t
— Reuters (@Reuters) December 15, 2024
Minorities and Regional Concerns
Syria’s diverse population includes Christians, Armenians, Kurds, and Shi’ite Muslims, all of whom are navigating uncertainties under the new regime. Many Shi’ites have fled to Lebanon, fearing persecution.
The rights and safety of minorities were central to a meeting in Jordan involving Arab nations, Turkey, the U.S., and the EU. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the need for an inclusive government that respects minority rights and avoids becoming a base for terrorism.
Signs of Normalcy: Schools Reopen
Sunday also marked the reopening of schools across Syria, signaling an effort to restore normalcy. Students returned to classrooms in Damascus, with some expressing relief at the end of military conscription fears. Salah al-Din Diab, a student, said, “I used to walk in the street scared that I would get drafted to military service. Now, I feel optimistic.”
While many schools reopened, some parents hesitated to send their children, citing lingering uncertainty.
Students returned to classrooms in Syria as diplomats urged the country’s new rulers to respect minority rights https://t.co/L71ov6JCeg pic.twitter.com/U3D9mJNWZK
— Reuters (@Reuters) December 15, 2024
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Rebuilding Syria Amid International Scrutiny
The new de facto leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, faces monumental challenges in rebuilding a country ravaged by years of war. Cities lie in ruins, the economy is crippled by sanctions, and millions remain displaced.
U.N. Syria envoy Geir Pedersen expressed hope for the swift lifting of sanctions to support economic recovery. “We will hopefully see a quick end to sanctions so that we can rally around building up Syria,” he said after arriving in Damascus to discuss rebuilding efforts.
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The future of Syria’s governance remains under debate, with U.N. Security Council Resolution 2254 outlining a roadmap for a Syrian-led transition to non-sectarian governance and free elections. Sharaa has signaled a willingness to engage in discussions to reconsider this framework.
The coming weeks will reveal whether HTS can fulfill its promises of inclusivity and stability while addressing international concerns over its designation as a terrorist organization and its past affiliations.
