Syria’s New Leader Meets with Christian Clerics Amid Calls for Minority Rights
De Facto Leader Ahmed al-Sharaa Holds Talks with Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican Clerics
Syria’s de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa met with senior Christian clerics on Tuesday, amid calls on the Islamist chief to guarantee minority rights after seizing power earlier this month. The meeting was announced by Syria’s general command, which released a statement on Telegram with pictures of the meeting.
The statement read, “The leader of the new Syrian administration, Ahmed al-Sharaa, meets a delegation from the Christian community in Damascus.” The meeting with Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican clerics aimed to ease concerns among Syria’s minority communities, who fear persecution under the new Islamist-led government.
French Foreign Minister Calls for Inclusive Political Transition
Earlier on Tuesday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot called for an inclusive political transition in Syria that guarantees the rights of the country’s diverse communities. Barrot expressed hope that “Syrians could take back control of their own destiny” but emphasized that a political transition in Syria must include all communities in their diversity and uphold the most basic rights and fundamental freedoms.
Tensions Rise Among Minority Communities
Since seizing power, Syria’s new leadership has repeatedly tried to reassure minorities that they will not be harmed, although some incidents have sparked protests. On December 25, thousands protested in several areas of Syria after a video circulated showing an attack on an Alawite shrine in the country’s north. A day earlier, hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets in Christian areas of Damascus to protest the burning of a Christmas tree near Hama in central Syria.
Syria’s Christian Population has Dwindled
Before the civil war erupted in 2011, Syria was home to about one million Christians, according to analyst Fabrice Balanche. However, the number has dwindled to about 300,000. The decline of Syria’s Christian population has raised concerns about the impact of the war on the country’s religious minorities.
Sharaa Holds Talks with Kurdish-Led Forces
Earlier, a Syrian official told AFP that Sharaa held “positive” talks with delegates of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) on Monday. The talks were Sharaa’s first with Kurdish commanders since his Islamist-led rebels overthrew longtime strongman Bashar al-Assad in early December. The SDF is locked in fighting with Turkish-backed factions in northern Syria.
Conclusion
The meeting between Sharaa and Christian clerics is a crucial step in easing tensions among Syria’s minority communities. However, the path to reconciliation will be long and challenging. The new government must take concrete steps to guarantee minority rights and protect the country’s diverse communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is Ahmed al-Sharaa?
A: Ahmed al-Sharaa is the de facto leader of Syria’s new Islamist-led government.
Q: What is the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)?
A: The SDF is a Kurdish-led military alliance that has been fighting against Islamic State group jihadists in Syria.
Q: How many Christians are left in Syria?
A: According to analyst Fabrice Balanche, about 300,000 Christians are left in Syria, down from around one million before the civil war erupted in 2011.