Syria

Syrian Christians wait with bated breath fearing the introduction of Sharia law and waiting for a new constitution. The Maronite Patriarch and the bishops of the various Churches defend the idea of citizenship and equal rights. The self-criticism of the Maronite Archbishop of Damascus who admits a ‘lack of courage’ in ‘telling the truth’ about the atrocities committed by the deposed regime.

The Patriarchate of Antioch is the only one of the fifteen autocephalous Orthodox Churches, and the only one of the five ancient patriarchates, that has always and in every situation supported the Russian Church. Moreover, it was precisely the Antiochians who inspired the establishment of the Moscow Patriarchate. And these ancient stories of the late Middle Ages find their relevance today in the face of the Russians' fear of losing their controlling role in the Middle East, after the victory of the Islamists in Damascus.

This morning the Holy Father met with the president of the Palestinian National Authority for half an hour, the first time in three years. A Vatican press release underlines the “very serious humanitarian situation in Gaza". For the vicar of the Custody, prospects for a ceasefire and a celebration of peace are “very different from last year," even if "great concern" remains for Lebanon and Syria.

From Istanbul, the director of the Dominican Study Institute spoke to AsiaNews with a mixture of "exaltation" and "surprise” at the fall of the Assad regime. Turkey has denied rumours that it was directly involved in the regime’s overthrow, highlighting the "need for a transition". For Iran’s Khamenei, the fall is part of a "plan" by the US and Israel (and Turkey, without naming it).

Fr Jihad Youssef, superior of the community founded by Fr Dall'Oglio, reflects about the situation created by the fall of the Assad regime. For him, it is impossible for Christians to remain in the Middle East if they confront and compete with Muslims. It takes "courage" to be a "small flock". The concept of dhimmah should be turned into a form of “dynamic interaction”. Meanwhile, HST rebel leader wants those responsible for crimes and torture to be returned to Syria. Israel carries out hundreds airstrikes, its tanks are 20 km from Damascus.

Lebanon reflects on the sudden collapse of the Damascus regime. Many Lebanese and displaced Syrians celebrate the day as a historic and decisive event for the future. The fear of a new tyranny to replace the one that has just been overthrown alternates with the hope for a democratic and coexisting Syria. Hezbollah has lost a powerful ally but this does not necessarily lead to a softening of its positions.

Leader al-Jawlani spoke from the historic Umayyad mosque. UN Security Council meeting today. The apostolic nuncio calls for the lifting of sanctions, a ‘burden’ that ‘weighs on the poor people’. Fr Karakach's testimony to AsiaNews: ‘We hope that what happened will unblock the political situation’. Christians ‘citizens who have rights and duties equal to all’.

Moscow granted asylum to the leader of the Damascus regime that collapsed in a few days under the offensive of Islamic militias from the north. In Soviet times, Syria was considered the ‘sixteenth republic’ of the Union, but Moscow's relationship with Damascus is much older, also due to ties with the patriarchate of Antioch. The node of the military bases in Tartus and Latakia, over which they will try to negotiate with the country's new leadership.

In a message on social media, Monsignor Jallouf denied the ‘news’ that had been spread online that Hts had entrusted him with the leadership of the city. The prelate speaks of ‘lies’ and ‘shame’, reiterating that ‘meddling in politics is not the Church's mission’. To AsiaNews, the parish priest speaks of a ‘disoriented and confused’ community that must be ‘encouraged’. Rebels at the gates of Homs.

Fr. Bahjat Karakach speaks to AsiaNews from the northern city now controlled by opposition groups led by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham. The anti-Assad front is targeting Hama, while in the conquered territories it promises protection for minorities. The parish is the distribution point for aid, but resources are limited. A people ‘exhausted by years of suffering and stalemate’.

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are forced to pull back From Sheikh Maqsoud, Ashrafieh, and Tel Rifaat from advancing pro-Turkish forces. HTS promises of "inclusiveness" find few takers. Meanwhile, government forces and allied militias are trying to push back rebel advance towards Hama.

Bishop Jallouf describes scenes of chaos as people flee amid blocked roads. About 90 per cent of Aleppo “is in rebel control ", but Christians “have not been harmed”. Sources in Damascus told AsiaNews that the "situation is calm" now, but the picture is "very complicated". Pro-Assad fighters have come from Iran and Iraq. The death toll is now in the hundreds.