Protests Erupt in Syria Over Burning of Christmas Tree
Protests have erupted across Syria following the burning of a Christmas tree in Suqaylabiyah, a Christian-majority town near Hama. The incident, which occurred on Christmas Eve, has sparked outrage among religious minorities and highlighted ongoing security concerns under the new Islamist leadership.
Arson Attack Sparks Outrage
A video circulating on social media shows two masked men setting fire to the Christmas tree in the town’s central square. The act has been widely condemned, prompting thousands to take to the streets to demand protection for religious minorities.
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist faction now in power after overthrowing President Bashar al-Assad, confirmed the arrest of the perpetrators, describing them as foreign fighters. The group sought to reassure the Christian community, with one of its religious leaders addressing protesters in Suqaylabiyah. In a symbolic gesture, the leader held up a cross and promised that the tree would be restored by morning.
Nationwide Demonstrations
The arson attack ignited protests in several cities, including Damascus, where demonstrators in the Kassa neighbourhood demanded the removal of foreign fighters. Chanting, “Syria is free, non-Syrians should leave,” they expressed growing frustration with external influence in the country.
In Bab Touma, another Christian-dominated district in Damascus, protesters carried crosses and Syrian flags, chanting, “We will sacrifice our souls for our cross.” One protester, Georges, told AFP, “If we can’t practice our Christian faith as we used to, then we don’t belong here anymore.”
A Divided Nation
Syria’s population is a mosaic of ethnic and religious groups, including Kurds, Armenians, Assyrians, Christians, Druze, Alawite Shia, and Arab Sunnis—the majority Muslim group. Ensuring the safety and rights of minorities has become a significant challenge for HTS, which is attempting to transition from its jihadist origins to governing a deeply divided nation.
HTS, formerly linked to al-Qaeda, has claimed a commitment to inclusivity and pledged to protect minorities. As the group marched into Damascus earlier this month, its leaders promised to build “a Syria for all Syrians.” However, skepticism remains, particularly as HTS continues to be classified as a terrorist organization by international entities including the United Nations, United States, European Union, and United Kingdom.
Diplomatic Shifts and Persistent Challenges
In a potential shift, the United States recently removed a $10 million bounty on HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, following diplomatic meetings with HTS representatives. Meanwhile, the U.S. military, which maintains a presence in Syria, carried out an airstrike in Deir Ezzor on Friday, targeting and killing two Islamic State (IS) fighters.
The burning of the Christmas tree has become a stark symbol of the challenges facing HTS as it attempts to stabilize Syria. The presence of foreign fighters, extremist elements, and remnants of the Assad regime continues to undermine efforts to secure peace and inclusivity.
As Syria navigates its new leadership, HTS’s ability to protect minorities, foster unity, and deliver on promises of inclusivity will be crucial in shaping the country’s future. For now, the Christmas tree in Suqaylabiyah serves as a poignant reminder of both the tensions and hopes of a fractured nation.
