{"id":119763,"date":"2024-12-15T10:46:34","date_gmt":"2024-12-15T10:46:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/npasyria.com\/en\/?p=119763"},"modified":"2024-12-15T10:46:36","modified_gmt":"2024-12-15T10:46:36","slug":"christians-in-ne-syria-fear-uncertainty-after-assads-fall","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/npasyria.com\/en\/119763\/","title":{"rendered":"Christians in NE Syria fear uncertainty after Assad\u2019s fall"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By Samer Yassin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

HASAKAH, Syria (North Press) \u2013<\/strong> Christians in Hasakah Governorate, northeastern Syria, express fears of an uncertain future in the “new Syria” following the fall of Bashar al-Assad and the takeover of the country\u2019s administration by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), particularly after the appointment of the head of the Salvation Government in Idlib to form the new government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Assyrians and Armenians are apprehensive about the possibility of a strict Islamist regime ruling the new Syria. They question their future if the new system is not built on civil foundations that respect all Syrian ethnicities and beliefs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Signs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sabhi Melke, an Assyrian from Hasakah, believes the formation of the new Syrian government violates U.N. Security Council Resolution 2254, which outlines clear steps for a power transition that should include all Syrian groups and communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Melke told North Press the transitional government essentially transferred the ruling authority from Idlib to the rest of Syria, which is a grave mistake, even though they claim to be open to all Syrian components and cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He added that many groups, particularly Christians, fear the alternative to the previous regime\u2014specifically, the threat of Islamist extremism. The government formation process so far has been negative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They hope the U.N. Security Council will pressure for the activation of Resolution 2254 to establish a government inclusive of all Syrian components, paving the way for a democratic, decentralized state with autonomous administrations that can protect all minorities and communities. Melke also pointed out that the people accept a ruling authority in Damascus that looks like this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He expressed additional concern about Turkey’s ongoing attacks in the region, including the major assault on Manbij and field executions in Tel Rifaat targeting Kurds, which have led to systematic forced displacement. “These events revive memories for Christians of the 1915 Massacre,” Melke noted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fear of the future<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Armin Mardoyan, an Armenian from Hasakah, voiced concern about the rapid changes in Syria. He asked, “Will we be able to practice our rituals, traditions, and culture as Christians within the Syrian social fabric in the coming days?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speaking to North Press, Mardoyan said, “These fears have become prevalent among all Christians in Syria. Everyone is wondering\u2014what will become of Christians in Syria now?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He believes the only solution lies in the full participation of all communities to ensure coexistence. “Everyone must be included in decisions concerning Syria,” he argued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Call for unity<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sawsan Abd al-Ahad, a representative of the Syriac Union Party in Hasakah, highlighted the ambiguous circumstances the country is facing due to recent rapid developments. These changes, she noted, have created fear among the Christian community about the next phase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Abd al-Ahad stated, “Everyone is entitled to their rights\u2014whether it\u2019s their language, identity, or a shared life. We strive for unity among all and hope for peace, security, and safety for everyone.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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