Displaying items by tag: Ahmed alSharaa

A deadly attack on the Mar Elias Church in Damascus on 22 June has shaken Syria, especially its Christian community. At least 25 people were killed when an armed man opened fire and detonated a suicide bomb. The attack, claimed by both IS and another group, has spotlighted serious security concerns for Syria's new government. Labour affairs minister Hind Kabawat called for unity, stressing the shared pain of Christians and Muslims. The end of Bashar al-Assad's brutal regime was meant to usher in a hopeful era, yet the recent attack raises questions about the new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, and his ability to protect religious minorities. Despite promises of inclusivity, tensions and mistrust linger. The Mar Elias attack intensifies fears that minorities may be forced to leave the country, highlighting the fragile nature of Syria's recovery. The government's response to these security and sectarian threats will define its legitimacy and shape its future.

Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s new leader and head of HTS, has met senior Christian leaders in Damascus to reassure minorities about their safety under his administration. The meeting follows protests over attacks on Christian and Alawite symbols. French foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot emphasised the need for an inclusive political transition in Syria that safeguards diverse communities' rights. Al-Sharaa has also held talks with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), proposing their integration into the national army. Despite attempts to stabilise the country after Bashar al-Assad’s overthrow in December, incidents of violence and unrest persist. The SDF, backed by the USA, remains locked in conflict with Turkish-backed factions, while Turkiye alleges SDF ties to the PKK, a group it deems terrorist. Syria’s Christian population, once about one million, has dwindled to 300,000 since the civil war began in 2011, highlighting the challenges minorities face amid ongoing instability.