Protests Erupt in Syria Following Christmas Tree Arson Incident
Protests have erupted across Syria in response to the burning of a Christmas tree near Hama. Video footage revealed masked individuals setting fire to the tree located in the main square of Suqaylabiyah, a town with a significant Christian population.
The Islamist faction that played a key role in the recent uprising against President Bashar al-Assad stated that those involved in the arson were foreign fighters and have since been apprehended. Thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets, calling for the protection of religious minorities by the new Islamist regime.
The arson incident occurred on the eve of Christmas, leading to heightened tensions in the region. A religious leader from the governing Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) addressed the crowd in Suqaylabiyah, promising that the tree would be restored by morning and displaying a cross to signal solidarity—an act rare among Islamist conservatives.
The protests intensified, with citizens in various parts, including the Kassa neighborhood of Damascus, vocalizing their opposition to foreign fighters. Demonstrators chanted, “Syria is free, non-Syrians should leave,” referring to the foreign involvement in the country.
In another Damascus neighborhood, Bab Touma, protesters carried crosses and Syrian flags, chanting a commitment to protect their Christian identity. A participant voiced deep concern, stating, “If we’re not allowed to live our Christian faith in our country as we used to, then we don’t belong here anymore.”
Syria’s rich tapestry includes multiple ethnic and religious groups such as Kurds, Armenians, Christians, and others. Just weeks ago, rebel forces succeeded in toppling Bashar al-Assad, ending a more than five-decade rule by his family.
The approach of HTS, initially known for its jihadist roots and focus on imposing Islamic law, seems to have shifted toward a more pragmatic governance model. With leaders expressing intentions to create an inclusive Syria, they have also promised to uphold the rights of religious and ethnic minorities.
While HTS is still designated as a terrorist organization by several international bodies, recent diplomatic developments suggest a potential shift in relations. Notably, the U.S. recently lifted a significant bounty on HTS leadership, indicating evolving diplomatic engagement.
Simultaneously, the U.S. military continues its operations in Syria, including a recent air strike targeting members of the Islamic State in Deir Ezzor. The ongoing presence of foreign fighters and extremists poses significant challenges for the new Islamic leadership in maintaining stability and protecting minority communities.
