In Syria, protests have erupted following the burning of a Christmas tree in Suqaylabiyah, a Christian-majority town. This act has intensified calls for the Islamist authorities to ensure the protection of minorities.
A video circulating on social media captured the tree engulfed in flames, with masked men seen dousing it with an unidentified liquid. It remains unclear if they intended to extinguish the fire or fuel it. In response, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the leading Islamist faction, reported detaining foreign fighters linked to the incident and promised to uphold the rights of Syria’s diverse religious and ethnic groups.
Footage showed a religious figure from HTS addressing the gathered crowds, pledging to restore the tree by morning and holding up a cross in a notable gesture of solidarity. This symbolized an unusual step for Islamist conservatives.
The arson attack has sparked widespread protests, including in Damascus, where demonstrators chanted against foreign fighters and expressed their determination to defend their faith. “Syria is free, non-Syrians should leave,” resonated in the streets, reflecting the protesters’ sentiments.
Syria’s diverse population includes Kurds, Armenians, Assyrians, Christians, and others. The recent overthrow of Bashar al-Assad has led to many displaced Syrians returning home, but the future governance by HTS remains uncertain. Although once a jihadist group, HTS has adopted a more pragmatic approach and aims to create an inclusive Syria.
Recent developments include HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa’s agreement with revolutionary factions to merge under the Ministry of Defence, though specifics remain unclear. Despite being labeled a terrorist organization by international bodies, signs of diplomatic shifts are emerging, such as the US lifting a bounty on al-Sharaa.
As tensions continue, the new leadership faces significant challenges in addressing the presence of foreign fighters and ensuring stability in a nation eager for peace and unity.
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