Christmas tree burning sparks protests in Syria

Christmas tree burning sparks protests in Syria

In Syria, protests have erupted following the burning of a Christmas tree in the vicinity of Hama.

A video circulating on social media captured masked gunmen igniting the Christmas tree displayed in the central square of Suqaylabiyah, a town predominantly inhabited by Christians in central Syria.

The leading Islamist faction behind the uprising that resulted in the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad has announced that the individuals accountable for the arson are foreign fighters who have been apprehended. They also stated that the damaged tree would be promptly restored.

In a significant display of public sentiment, thousands of demonstrators flooded the streets nationwide, calling on the newly established Islamist leadership to ensure the safety and rights of religious minorities.

In the Bab Touma neighbourhood of Damascus, demonstrators marched with a cross and Syrian flags, vocally declaring, “We will sacrifice our souls for our cross.”

“If we are no longer permitted to practice our Christian faith in our country as we once did, then we no longer belong here,” said a demonstrator identified as Georges in an interview with AFP news agency.

Syria hosts diverse ethnic and religious communities, encompassing Kurds, Armenians, Assyrians, Christians, Druze, Alawite Shia, and Arab Sunnis, with the latter representing the majority within the Muslim demographic.

In a significant turn of events, Bashar al-Assad’s presidency was overtaken by rebel forces just over two weeks ago, marking the conclusion of the Assad family’s dominance that spanned more than five decades.

The future governance of Syria by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group is yet to be determined. The organization has a history rooted in jihadism, from which it claims to have distanced itself while currently maintaining an Islamist stance.

As fighters advanced toward Damascus earlier this month, the city’s leaders articulated their vision for constructing a Syria that serves all its citizens.

Officials have asserted that the rights and freedoms of religious and ethnic minorities will be safeguarded.

The designation of HTS as a terrorist organization by the UN, US, EU, and UK remains in place, yet indications suggest a potential diplomatic shift could be on the horizon.

On Friday, the United States officially removed a $10 million (£7.9 million) bounty placed on HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa. This decision came after discussions involving high-ranking diplomats and representatives from the group.

The United States is maintaining its military presence in Syria. On Friday, it was reported that an air strike was conducted in the northern city of Deir Ezzor, resulting in the deaths of two members of the Islamic State (IS) jihadist group.

The new Islamic leadership is poised to confront significant challenges, notably the presence of foreign fighters, Islamic extremists, and regime supporters. These groups have a vested interest in fostering insecurity and targeting minorities, which threatens to undermine the stability of the nation.

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