Protests Erupt Over Christmas Tree Burning
Protests have erupted across Syria following the burning of a Christmas tree in Suqaylabiyah, a predominantly Christian town in central Syria. The incident has led to calls for the newly formed Islamist-led government to take immediate measures to safeguard religious and ethnic minorities.
A video circulating on social media captured the tree engulfed in flames in Suqaylabiyah’s central square. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the primary Islamist group that recently assumed power after overthrowing President Bashar al-Assad, stated that foreign fighters were detained in connection with the incident.
HTS officials reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the freedoms of minorities in Syria.
Tree Arson Sparks Outrage
Social media footage appeared to show masked individuals pouring an unknown liquid onto the tree the night before Christmas Eve celebrations. It remains unclear whether their actions were an attempt to extinguish the fire or fuel it.
After the incident, a religious leader from the HTS governing body addressed residents gathered at the site, promising that the tree would be repaired by morning. In a rare gesture of solidarity, he held up a cross, an act typically avoided by Islamist conservatives.
Widespread Protests
The arson attack has prompted demonstrations across Syria, including in Damascus. Protesters in the Kassa neighborhood of the capital chanted against the presence of foreign fighters, shouting:
“Syria is free, non-Syrians should leave.”
In Bab Touma, another area of Damascus, demonstrators carried crosses and Syrian flags, chanting:
“We will sacrifice our souls for our cross.”
“If we’re not allowed to live our Christian faith in our country, as we used to, then we don’t belong here anymore,” said Georges, a protester who spoke to AFP.
A Diverse Nation in Transition
Syria is home to a mosaic of ethnic and religious groups, including Kurds, Armenians, Assyrians, Christians, Druze, Alawite Shia, and Sunni Arabs, who form the majority of the Muslim population.
The fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government two weeks ago marked the end of over 50 years of Assad family rule. The leadership of HTS now faces the challenge of governing a deeply divided nation.
Initially a jihadist group advocating for an Islamic state, HTS has recently sought to adopt a more inclusive approach. As fighters entered Damascus earlier this month, HTS leaders emphasized their vision for a united Syria.
Restructuring Syria’s Defense Forces
HTS announced on Tuesday that leader Ahmed al-Sharaa reached an agreement to dissolve all military factions and merge them under a unified Ministry of Defence. According to a statement by Sana news agency, the ministry will integrate rebel fighters into its structure.
However, details remain unclear regarding which groups are part of the merger. Syria continues to host multiple armed factions, some of which oppose HTS or maintain uncertain relationships with the group.
International Perspectives
Despite its attempts at reform, HTS remains classified as a terrorist organization by the UN, US, EU, and UK. However, recent developments suggest a potential diplomatic shift.
On Friday, the US withdrew a $10 million bounty on HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa following discussions between senior diplomats and HTS representatives. Meanwhile, US military operations continue in Syria, with a recent airstrike in Deir Ezzor targeting Islamic State (IS) militants.
The new Islamist leadership faces significant challenges in stabilizing the country, including addressing threats posed by foreign fighters, extremists, and regime loyalists seeking to disrupt the fragile peace.
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