Syrian Christians attended regular Sunday services for the first time since President Bashar al-Assad’s overthrow last week, in an early test of assurances by the new Islamist rulers that the rights of minorities will be protected. Schools also reopened on Sunday, with pupils waiting cheerfully in classrooms as they returned to learning after a week-long break.
Christians, who have historically been wary of Islamist rule, attended Mass at churches across Damascus and Latakia, with some expressing concern about their safety. However, many welcomed the return to normalcy, including local resident Maha Barsa, who said she was “comfortable” under Assad’s rule in terms of freedom of belief.
The new rulers have sought to reassure minority groups that they will be protected, and top diplomats from Arab nations, Turkey, the US, and EU met on Saturday to discuss the issue. The US has called for an inclusive and representative government that respects minority rights.
As Syria rebuilds after years of civil war, foreign powers are still weighing their stance on the new rulers. The country’s de facto leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, faces a massive challenge to rebuild Syria, with millions of refugees still living in camps outside the country.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/syrian-authorities-reopen-schools-week-after-upheaval-that-overthrew-assad-2024-12-15