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Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Attack on Christians threatens Syria's postwar cohesion
Representative Image (AI-generated) In an official statement issued immediately after a suicide bomber opened fire on worshippers before blowing himself up at a Christian church in Damascus, Syria's government called the attack a desperate attempt to undermine national coexistence and destabilize the country. The Interior Ministry blamed the so-called " Islamic State " group for the attack, which killed 25 people and injured 63. In neighboring Lebanon, President Joseph Aoun called for "necessary measures to prevent its recurrence, provide protection for places of worship and their visitors, and ensure the safety of all Syrian citizens, regardless of their religion, as the unity of the Syrian people remains the foundation for preventing discord." Leaders of the Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land in Jerusalem said: "There is no justification — religious, moral, or rational — for the slaughter of innocents, least of all in a sacred space. Such violence under the guise of faith is a grave perversion of all that is holy." 'Repeated violence': Michael Bauer, the head of the Beirut office of Germany's Konrad Adenauer Foundation, told DW that the attack did not just target the worshippers at the church, nor Christians broadly, but was meant to send a message. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo "There has been repeated violence against religious minorities in recent months, such as the Alawites and the Druze," said Bauer, whose foundation is closely linked to Germany's conservative Christian Democrats. "The latest attack, as terrible as it is, is therefore not directed solely against Christians, but against the social fabric of the entire country as well as the transition process," Bauer said. Sidra, a 20-year-old Christian in Damascus who asked that her full name not be used, told DW that she knew multiple victims of Sunday's attack. "My mother's condition is somewhat stable," Sidra said, "but I lost my friend in the incident." She said officials must act. "We send a message to the Syrian government to provide us with safety because, if the situation remains as it is, Syrian Christians may no longer be able to live under such conditions," Sidra said. "If safety is not ensured, Christians in Syria may rise against this government." Building representative government: President Ahmad al-Sharaa has promised an inclusive government. Bauer said he and his officials would likely be aware that Syria needs a fundamental transformation process that encompasses all population groups. Members of the many militias who have become officials or agents of Syria's security forces may see things differently, however, Bauer said. "They rather want to impose their own worldview, which doesn't include Alawites, Christians, Druze or other infidels in the new Syria," he said. "This poses a major challenge," he added. Since the overthrow of the government at the end of 2024, foreign fighters who joined the revolutionary forces in Syria's long civil war have been repeatedly accused of violence against minorities. However, the underfunded government has had difficulty developing security forces. The Germany Trade and Invest business information service estimates that Syria's economy will continue to shrink in 2025, for the third year in a row. Before the war began in 2011, Christians made up about 7% of Syria's population. Nearly a decade and a half of departures have reduced the proportion to about 2%, according to a report by Vatican News. Nawal, a 58-year-old who was injured in Sunday's attack and asked that her full name not be used, told DW that the violence would ultimately affect all Syrians. "We are one people, Christians, Muslims and people of all religions and denominations," Nawal said. "And whoever committed this act — this time it hit Christians, but tomorrow it will hit every other Syrian." Syria: Multireligious, multiethnic: Though there are predominantly Christian neighborhoods in Damascus and villages throughout the country, Bauer said adherents are widely integrated with Syria's other religious communities. "Christians are also present throughout very different parts of the country," Bauer said. "Unlike the Druze, for example, they live side by side with citizens of other religions. And of course, this has also created a certain sense of closeness." "Syriais our country," Sidra said. "We will stay if there are no sectarian provocations or insults to other beliefs," she added. "But what happened on Sunday in the church confirms the presence of sectarianism," Sidra said, "and such acts make us wonder if we need to leave Syria one day."
Qatar Tribune
4 days ago
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Group claims responsibility for Syrian church bombing
DamascuscTypeface:> A little-known group, Saraya Ansar al-Sunna (Brigade of Sunni Supporters), claimed responsibility on Tuesday for the deadly suicide bombing that struck a church in the south of Damascus, killing at least 25 worshippers and injuring 63. In a statement released on its social media platforms, the group claimed the assault was retaliation for what it described as 'provocations by Christians in Damascus.' It threatened further attacks, including suicide operations. Previously, the group had issued sectarian threats targeting Christians, Alawites, Druze and Shiite Muslims. It has claimed responsibility for a February attack on the village of Arzeh in Hama province and has threatened individuals linked to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. (DPA)
DW
4 days ago
- Politics
- DW
Attack on Christians threatens Syria's postwar cohesion – DW – 06/24/2025
Syria's new president has promised to replace the Assad dictatorship with a multireligious society where all faiths are represented. Sunday's terror attack in Damascus shows how much work remains to be done. In an official statement issued immediately after a suicide bomber opened fire on worshippers before blowing himself up at a Christian church in Damascus, Syria's government called the attack a desperate attempt to undermine national coexistence and destabilize the country. The Interior Ministry blamed the so-called "Islamic State" group for the attack, which killed 25 people and injured neighboring Lebanon, President Joseph Aoun called for "necessary measures to prevent its recurrence, provide protection for places of worship and their visitors, and ensure the safety of all Syrian citizens, regardless of their religion, as the unity of the Syrian people remains the foundation for preventing discord." Leaders of the Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land in Jerusalem said: "There is no justification — religious, moral, or rational — for the slaughter of innocents, least of all in a sacred space. Such violence under the guise of faith is a grave perversion of all that is holy." Michael Bauer, the head of the Beirut office of Germany's Konrad Adenauer Foundation, told DW that the attack did not just target the worshippers at the church, nor Christians broadly, but was meant to send a message. "There has been repeated violence against religious minorities in recent months, such as the Alawites and the Druze," said Bauer, whose foundation is closely linked to Germany's conservative Christian Democrats. "The latest attack, as terrible as it is, is therefore not directed solely against Christians, but against the social fabric of the entire country as well as the transition process," Bauer said. Sidra, a 20-year-old Christian in Damascus who asked that her full name not be used, told DW that she knew multiple victims of Sunday's attack. "My mother's condition is somewhat stable," Sidra said, "but I lost my friend in the incident." She said officials must act. "We send a message to the Syrian government to provide us with safety because, if the situation remains as it is, Syrian Christians may no longer be able to live under such conditions," Sidra said. "If safety is not ensured, Christians in Syria may rise against this government." President Ahmad al-Sharaa has promised an inclusive government. Bauer said he and his officials would likely be aware that Syria needs a fundamental transformation process that encompasses all population groups. Members of the many militias who have become officials or agents of Syria's security forces may see things differently, however, Bauer said. "They rather want to impose their own worldview, which doesn't include Alawites, Christians, Druze or other infidels in the new Syria," he said. "This poses a major challenge," he added. Since the overthrow of the government at the end of 2024, foreign fighters who joined the revolutionary forces in Syria's long civil war have been repeatedly accused of violence against minorities. However, the underfunded government has had difficulty developing security forces. The Germany Trade and Invest business information service estimates that Syria's economy will continue to shrink in 2025, for the third year in a row. Before the war began in 2011, Christians made up about 7% of Syria's population. Nearly a decade and a half of departures have reduced the proportion to about 2%, according to a report by . Nawal, a 58-year-old who was injured in Sunday's attack and asked that her full name not be used, told DW that the violence would ultimately affect all Syrians. "We are one people, Christians, Muslims and people of all religions and denominations," Nawal said. "And whoever committed this act — this time it hit Christians, but tomorrow it will hit every other Syrian." Though there are predominantly Christian neighborhoods in Damascus and villages throughout the country, Bauer said adherents are widely integrated with Syria's other religious communities. "Christians are also present throughout very different parts of the country," Bauer said. "Unlike the Druze, for example, they live side by side with citizens of other religions. And of course this has also created a certain sense of closeness." "Syriais our country," Sidra said. "We will stay if there are no sectarian provocations or insults to other beliefs," she added. "But what happened on Sunday in the church confirms the presence of sectarianism," Sidra said, "and such acts make us wonder if we need to leave Syria one day." To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
The National
5 days ago
- Politics
- The National
Damascus church bombing threatens political gains of both Christians and new Syrian state
Until a suicide bombing killed 20 people at a church in a low-income area of Damascus on Sunday, Christians had been spared the mass violence that has afflicted other minorities under the new Syrian state that replaced the Assad regime last year. The government, led by former Hayat Tahrir Al Sham (HTS) militants who split from Al Qaeda a decade ago, has been touting its good ties with the clergy and Christian community at large in recent months. The relationship has been part of its quest for Western backing of Syria's economic recovery efforts after 13 years of civil war. Foreign powers have called for an inclusive Syrian state as a condition of support for the new regime. Despite the killing by pro-government militias of more than 1,500 civilians from the country's Alawite and Druze communities during sectarian violence in March and April, efforts by Damascus to secure Western backing have gathered pace. Syria has deepened ties with Europe and reached normalisation with the US, a process ushered in by a meeting on May 14 between Syria's leader Ahmad Al Shara and President Donald Trump in Riyadh. Washington also decided to lift sanctions on Syria. US officials, who have previously condemned the killing of Syria's minorities, have said rapprochement with the post-Assad order is necessary to stabilise the nation and prevent wider violence. Syria, under Mr Al Shara, constitutes a bulwark against Iran and could become a signatory to the Abraham Accords, they said. But with the bombing of the Mar Elias Church in the capital's Dweila district on Sunday, the goal of the perpetrators was to 'create headlines' in the US and elsewhere, spreading the notion that Christians have become a target under the Islamist government, said prominent Syrian political commentator Ayman Abdel Nour. 'The objective is to weaken the state,' he told The National. Syrian state media reported that the church suicide bomber was affiliated with ISIS, whose sleeper cells have reportedly been taking advantage of the removal of the dictator Bashar Al Assad by seizing weapons left unsupervised in the wake of his fall. No one has declared responsibility for the attack, but if ISIS was the culprit it would indicate an expansion of the terror group in Syria. Mr Abdel Nour said the attack on the church, situated just outside the walls of Old Damascus, appears intended to inflict the maximum loss of Christian life. It occurred at Sunday evening mass, not in the morning, when the church has fewer worshippers, because Sunday is a work day in Syria. Even before Syria's civil war began in 2011, the Assad regime, dominated by the Alawite sect, portrayed itself as a bulwark against Sunni extremist groups such as Al Qaeda. The rise of ISIS helped it drive home that message, particularly among Syria's minorities. 'Dark ideology' Christians, who make up 5 per cent of the Syrian population, have been important politically for the new Syrian government, to the point that they were the focus of an invitation for two Republican members of the US House of Representatives to visit the country. The two politicians, who are ideologically close to Mr Trump, travelled to Syria on Easter weekend and met with the top figures in the clergy. The trip helped present a positive image of the new government and its attitude towards Christians and laid the groundwork for the ensuing rapprochement with the US. Commentators told The National that Mr Al Shara needs to do more to drive a wedge between his government and religious extremists. Human rights lawyer Firas Abdin said Mr Al Shara should visit the site of the explosion to show solidarity and not just send subordinates. He said the bombing was punishment for Christians for their support of the new HTS-led state. It was also an attempt 'to convince the Christians of Syria that the current government is extremist and change their view of the new epoch'. Political writer Wael Sawah said an official condemnation issued after the church attack was not enough. 'The Al Shara government must pursue those responsible and whoever stands behind them, and submit them to a public trial,' he said. Mr Sawah, a former political prisoner under the Assad regime, has been critical of the new government and its religious doctrine. Syria's leaders must condemn 'the dark ideology' behind the church bombing, he said. A senior regional security source told The National that Sunday's attack 'could be the gateway to a renewed era of terror'. 'It could be a calculated attempt to drag the region into far deeper turmoil, when all eyes are on the Israel and Iran war.'
CBC
6 days ago
- Politics
- CBC
Syria's post-Assad leader vowed the country is for all. Some Syrians have their doubts
It is rare to see a country emerge from the devastation of a 13-year civil war and more than 50 years of authoritarian rule. Yet Syria, six months after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad, is attempting just that. Reconstruction is underway. The suspension of long-standing U.S. sanctions has opened new economic opportunities. Foreign delegations are returning to the capital, Damascus. Despite the signs of progress, however, growing concerns have emerged over reports of civil rights violations and the targeting of religious minorities — incidents that officials have characterized as isolated. Syria's population is predominantly Sunni Muslim — about 74 per cent — alongside other Muslim minorities, which represent about 13 per cent, including Alawites. Christians represent about 10 per cent, and three per cent are Druze. Despite repeated assurances from the new Syrian president, Ahmad al-Sharaa — formerly Abu Mohammed Al-Jolani — that minorities are full and equal citizens, a series of incidents, particularly against Alawites and Druze, has sparked concern. Reports have emerged of violations targeting a nightclub in Damascus, adding to the unease. Syrian journalist Abssi Smiesim, who relocated to Damascus from Turkey following the fall of Assad, links current concerns to the behaviour of some Muslim extremist groups. "I visited all the minority regions recently," he said. "You can sense fear — not from the government itself, but from its inability to control groups with jihadist backgrounds." When rebels, many with Sunni backgrounds, accompanied by groups of jihadist fighters, succeeded in toppling Assad's regime in December, minority communities feared retaliation. Huge crowds celebrate Assad's fall as tough choices await Syria 6 months ago Duration 2:38 Concerns were particularly strong among those worried about ideological leanings of the new leadership, many of whom have ties to Salafist or jihadist backgrounds and who typically follow strict religious conservatism. Some individuals with such backgrounds advocate for rigid social norms, particularly around women's dress, gender mixing gatherings, alcohol consumption and governance. A changing social fabric At a bistro on a narrow alleyway in the heart of Old Damascus, a district known for vibrant bars and pubs, Ghani Isaac, a Christian, spoke of his unease about what lies ahead. "You can order an alcoholic drink," Isaac said, looking at his beer, "but you're never sure" when a Muslim extremist or a foreign jihadist fighter who arrived in Damascus with the new leadership "might attack you because of it" because religious Muslim groups believe in banning alcohol consumption. Reports suggest the government is considering integrating more than 3,500 fighters who came to Syria during the civil war to fight for rebel factions into the national army. "These people didn't come out of love for Syria," Isaac said. "They're gaining influence, sometimes more than the locals." In Bab Sharqi, a Christian quarter of Damascus, residents say the atmosphere has shifted to a more pessimistic outlook since the political transition. Isaac and his friend, Khalil Salloum, didn't leave Syria throughout the war and are concerned about what they call increasing sectarian rhetoric and extremism. "Community events have dwindled since the regime change," Isaac said. "The government offers some security for our celebrations and events like Christmas and Easter, but we are more comfortable relying on Christian volunteer guards, something we never needed before." Salloum said that many Christians they know are actively seeking to emigrate, fearing for their safety from unlawful attacks and seeking the freedom to practise their culture without restrictions. Sectarian clashes near Damascus In Jaramana, a predominantly Druze suburb outside Damascus, tensions remain high following deadly violence in April. The unrest was sparked by an audio recording that allegedly insulted the Prophet Muhammad, the most revered figure in Islam, and was falsely attributed to a Druze cleric, Marwan Kiwan. Although the government confirmed the recording was fake, clashes between Syrian security forces and armed groups near Damascus left at least 10 people dead and led to a brief security lockdown. Among those who witnessed the unrest was local resident Dima Masoud, who is Druze. "The government did try to contain the violence," she said, "but it also thanked those who 'defended the Prophet,' which felt like a form of indirect encouragement." Masoud is unconvinced by assurances from government officials that the incident was isolated. "These aren't just isolated accidents," she said. "I don't know whether the president truly lacks control over the factions or if we're watching a deeper fracture emerge among Syrians." When asked whether al-Sharaa has fulfilled his mantra that Syria is for all, Masoud offered her opinion: "Of course not." She said she fears secularists and defenders of civil liberties now face as much marginalization as religious minorities. Secularists also feel threatened In a live music café in Damascus, book author Jaber Yehya expressed a hopeful yet guarded outlook. "My optimism depends on us [secular people] working hard to prove ourselves," he said. "If the extremists stand in our way, we will push back." Yehya, a former refugee in Europe, returned to Syria for good following the regime change, driven by a vision for a more inclusive future. "I came back to help build a Syria that embraces everyone." WATCH | Getting back to work after the fall of Assad: Damascus curfew lifts, Syrians return to work after Assad's fall 6 months ago Duration 2:51 Linda Bilal is not part of a minority group, but belongs to a circle of liberal activists fighting to preserve their presence and civil liberties against rising extremism in Syria. She returned from Europe after Assad's fall. She recalled a tense encounter in April in the city of Idlib, the rebel stronghold in northwest Syria from which Al-Jolani ran a kind of shadow government. A foreign fighter she thought came from Egypt confronted her over not covering her hair with a hijab, telling her to "respect the country." Bilal said: "I fled Assad, and now I'm being lectured on how to be Syrian by someone who isn't even from this country?" Still, Bilal is resolute in claiming her right to a voice in Syria's future. "I won't change. We need to reclaim public space, foster dialogue and stay visible." Changing clothing styles In recent years, Syrian cities have reflected a blend of conservative and liberal dress norms. Although no official dress code has been introduced under the new regime, many women in different parts of Syria have adopted a more cautious approach to their clothing. Dima Masoud now has a more conservative look, opting for long pants instead of shorts and wearing jackets with long sleeves. "I don't know what could happen if I keep my old dressing style," she said, "but I'm not willing to try." Her concerns reflect growing influence of hardline Islamist groups that promote strict modesty standards, including the hijab (headscarf) — and, in some areas, even the niqab. But not everyone shares those concerns. In Damascus, Yara Shafa Omri, who has long chosen to dress freely and without a headscarf, says she hasn't had to alter her dress code under the new authorities. She reports no harassment over her casual attire or lifestyle. In her view, online criticism claiming the government is imposing a rigid Islamic code is exaggerated and doesn't align with her experience living in Damascus. "The social scene hasn't changed," she said, noting parties and gatherings with mixed genders are still going on. Shafa Omri believes criticism of the new government is premature. "The new government inherited a broken system," she said. "They've given us hope and a sense of freedom. We can't expect miracles overnight." Looking for more representation In his inauguration speech, al-Sharaa promised to "work on an inclusive government that reflects the diversity of the country." While this was somewhat fulfilled, said Fadel Abdulghany, executive director of the Syrian Network for Human Rights, "we had to see a bigger representation — in the constitution drafting committee, for instance." Abdulghany, whose network has been following the trajectory of the Syrian war since 2011, said his group "had advised from the beginning that for a truly inclusive political transition in Syria, minority communities had to be engaged not just as ethnic or religious groups, but as political stakeholders. Many are highly qualified and capable of contributing at senior levels." The new government "had to approach Syrian minority groups in a better way," he told CBC from Doha, Qatar.
