Syria's post-Assad leader vowed the country is for all. Some Syrians have their doubts
It is rare to see a country emerge from the devastation of a 13-year civil war and more than 50 years of authoritarian rule.
Yet Syria, six months after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad, is attempting just that.
Reconstruction is underway. The suspension of long-standing U.S. sanctions has opened new economic opportunities. Foreign delegations are returning to the capital, Damascus.
Despite the signs of progress, however, growing concerns have emerged over reports of civil rights violations and the targeting of religious minorities — incidents that officials have characterized as isolated.
Syria's population is predominantly Sunni Muslim — about 74 per cent — alongside other Muslim minorities, which represent about 13 per cent, including Alawites. Christians represent about 10 per cent, and three per cent are Druze.
Despite repeated assurances from the new Syrian president, Ahmad al-Sharaa — formerly Abu Mohammed Al-Jolani — that minorities are full and equal citizens, a series of incidents, particularly against Alawites and Druze, has sparked concern. Reports have emerged of violations targeting a nightclub in Damascus, adding to the unease.
Syrian journalist Abssi Smiesim, who relocated to Damascus from Turkey following the fall of Assad, links current concerns to the behaviour of some Muslim extremist groups.
"I visited all the minority regions recently," he said. "You can sense fear — not from the government itself, but from its inability to control groups with jihadist backgrounds."
When rebels, many with Sunni backgrounds, accompanied by groups of jihadist fighters, succeeded in toppling Assad's regime in December, minority communities feared retaliation.
Huge crowds celebrate Assad's fall as tough choices await Syria
6 months ago
Duration 2:38
Concerns were particularly strong among those worried about ideological leanings of the new leadership, many of whom have ties to Salafist or jihadist backgrounds and who typically follow strict religious conservatism. Some individuals with such backgrounds advocate for rigid social norms, particularly around women's dress, gender mixing gatherings, alcohol consumption and governance.
A changing social fabric
At a bistro on a narrow alleyway in the heart of Old Damascus, a district known for vibrant bars and pubs, Ghani Isaac, a Christian, spoke of his unease about what lies ahead.
"You can order an alcoholic drink," Isaac said, looking at his beer, "but you're never sure" when a Muslim extremist or a foreign jihadist fighter who arrived in Damascus with the new leadership "might attack you because of it" because religious Muslim groups believe in banning alcohol consumption.
Reports suggest the government is considering integrating more than 3,500 fighters who came to Syria during the civil war to fight for rebel factions into the national army.
"These people didn't come out of love for Syria," Isaac said. "They're gaining influence, sometimes more than the locals."
In Bab Sharqi, a Christian quarter of Damascus, residents say the atmosphere has shifted to a more pessimistic outlook since the political transition.
Isaac and his friend, Khalil Salloum, didn't leave Syria throughout the war and are concerned about what they call increasing sectarian rhetoric and extremism.
"Community events have dwindled since the regime change," Isaac said. "The government offers some security for our celebrations and events like Christmas and Easter, but we are more comfortable relying on Christian volunteer guards, something we never needed before."
Salloum said that many Christians they know are actively seeking to emigrate, fearing for their safety from unlawful attacks and seeking the freedom to practise their culture without restrictions.
Sectarian clashes near Damascus
In Jaramana, a predominantly Druze suburb outside Damascus, tensions remain high following deadly violence in April. The unrest was sparked by an audio recording that allegedly insulted the Prophet Muhammad, the most revered figure in Islam, and was falsely attributed to a Druze cleric, Marwan Kiwan.
Although the government confirmed the recording was fake, clashes between Syrian security forces and armed groups near Damascus left at least 10 people dead and led to a brief security lockdown.
Among those who witnessed the unrest was local resident Dima Masoud, who is Druze.
"The government did try to contain the violence," she said, "but it also thanked those who 'defended the Prophet,' which felt like a form of indirect encouragement."
Masoud is unconvinced by assurances from government officials that the incident was isolated.
"These aren't just isolated accidents," she said. "I don't know whether the president truly lacks control over the factions or if we're watching a deeper fracture emerge among Syrians."
When asked whether al-Sharaa has fulfilled his mantra that Syria is for all, Masoud offered her opinion: "Of course not."
She said she fears secularists and defenders of civil liberties now face as much marginalization as religious minorities.
Secularists also feel threatened
In a live music café in Damascus, book author Jaber Yehya expressed a hopeful yet guarded outlook.
"My optimism depends on us [secular people] working hard to prove ourselves," he said. "If the extremists stand in our way, we will push back."
Yehya, a former refugee in Europe, returned to Syria for good following the regime change, driven by a vision for a more inclusive future.
"I came back to help build a Syria that embraces everyone."
WATCH | Getting back to work after the fall of Assad:
Damascus curfew lifts, Syrians return to work after Assad's fall
6 months ago
Duration 2:51
Linda Bilal is not part of a minority group, but belongs to a circle of liberal activists fighting to preserve their presence and civil liberties against rising extremism in Syria. She returned from Europe after Assad's fall.
She recalled a tense encounter in April in the city of Idlib, the rebel stronghold in northwest Syria from which Al-Jolani ran a kind of shadow government. A foreign fighter she thought came from Egypt confronted her over not covering her hair with a hijab, telling her to "respect the country."
Bilal said: "I fled Assad, and now I'm being lectured on how to be Syrian by someone who isn't even from this country?"
Still, Bilal is resolute in claiming her right to a voice in Syria's future.
"I won't change. We need to reclaim public space, foster dialogue and stay visible."
Changing clothing styles
In recent years, Syrian cities have reflected a blend of conservative and liberal dress norms.
Although no official dress code has been introduced under the new regime, many women in different parts of Syria have adopted a more cautious approach to their clothing.
Dima Masoud now has a more conservative look, opting for long pants instead of shorts and wearing jackets with long sleeves.
"I don't know what could happen if I keep my old dressing style," she said, "but I'm not willing to try."
Her concerns reflect growing influence of hardline Islamist groups that promote strict modesty standards, including the hijab (headscarf) — and, in some areas, even the niqab.
But not everyone shares those concerns.
In Damascus, Yara Shafa Omri, who has long chosen to dress freely and without a headscarf, says she hasn't had to alter her dress code under the new authorities.
She reports no harassment over her casual attire or lifestyle. In her view, online criticism claiming the government is imposing a rigid Islamic code is exaggerated and doesn't align with her experience living in Damascus.
"The social scene hasn't changed," she said, noting parties and gatherings with mixed genders are still going on.
Shafa Omri believes criticism of the new government is premature.
"The new government inherited a broken system," she said. "They've given us hope and a sense of freedom. We can't expect miracles overnight."
Looking for more representation
In his inauguration speech, al-Sharaa promised to "work on an inclusive government that reflects the diversity of the country."
While this was somewhat fulfilled, said Fadel Abdulghany, executive director of the Syrian Network for Human Rights, "we had to see a bigger representation — in the constitution drafting committee, for instance."
Abdulghany, whose network has been following the trajectory of the Syrian war since 2011, said his group "had advised from the beginning that for a truly inclusive political transition in Syria, minority communities had to be engaged not just as ethnic or religious groups, but as political stakeholders. Many are highly qualified and capable of contributing at senior levels."
The new government "had to approach Syrian minority groups in a better way," he told CBC from Doha, Qatar.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Globe and Mail
11 minutes ago
- Globe and Mail
Carney calls for diplomatic solution and for talks to resume after U.S. strikes Iran
Prime Minister Mark Carney called for diplomatic talks to resume immediately and a de-escalation of hostilities, after the U.S. struck three Iranian nuclear sites in a major military operation. U.S. military officials say they are not pursuing war with Iran after striking key nuclear sites While noting 'the grave threat' posed by Tehran's nuclear program, Mr. Carney warned that 'the situation in the Middle East remains highly volatile.' 'Stability in the region is a priority,' he said in a post on X. 'Canada calls on parties to return immediately to the negotiating table and reach a diplomatic solution to end the crisis.' At a press conference on Sunday, Lt. Gen. Dan Caine, the U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said its attack on Iranian nuclear facilities was the largest B2 stealth bomber strike in history, and met with no Iranian resistance. But Lt. Gen. Caine warned: 'Our forces remain on high alert, and are fully postured to respond to any Iranian retaliation or proxy attacks which would be an incredibly poor choice. We will defend ourselves. The safety of our service members and civilians remains our highest priority.' Mr. Carney referred in his post to an agreement made at the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Alta., that 'the resolution of the Iranian crisis should lead to a broader de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza.' But he said that Canada has consistently been clear that 'Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon.' Foreign Minister Anita Anand added that Canada has been consistent that Iran 'must not possess nuclear weapons as they are a threat to international security.' 'Canada continues to support all efforts aimed at de-escalation, protecting civilian lives, and restoring stability through diplomacy,' she posted on X. 'We urge parties to return to the negotiating table and reach a resolution to this crisis.' She urged Canadians in the region to register with Global Affairs to receive available travel options to leave. Canada is booking seats on commercial flights from countries neighbouring Iran and Israel for Canadians wanting to fly home. She said, with the Prime Minister, she is 'regularly briefed on new developments, and are ensuring that all necessary resources are available in support of Canada's work to protect our citizens.'
CTV News
16 minutes ago
- CTV News
Trump's plan was ‘bold and brilliant': U.S. officials provide update on airstrike
Watch U.S. Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth and General Dan Caine provide details of U.S. President Trump's plan to attack on Iran's nuclear facilities.
CBC
an hour ago
- CBC
'We devastated the Iranian nuclear program,' U.S. defence secretary says after bombings
FULL SPEECH: U.S. strikes 'completely and fully obliterated' Iranian nuclear sites, Trump says The latest: Trump says stealth bombers hit sites in Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. Tehran says U.S. has 'launched a dangerous war against Iran,' and that there are no signs of radioactive contamination after the attacks. Netanyahu praises U.S. decision that 'will change history.' U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth says the plan to strike Iran took months and weeks of positioning. U.S. attacks, called Operation Midnight, included 14 bunker-buster bombs, over 2 dozen Tomahawk missiles, 125 military aircraft. U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Sunday that U.S. military strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities took months of positioning, and were an incredible and overwhelming success that he also claimed have obliterated Tehran's nuclear ambitions. The U.S. strikes included 14 bunker-buster bombs, more than two dozen Tomahawk missiles and more than 125 military aircraft, in an operation the top U.S. general, Dan Caine, said was named Operation Midnight. The operation pushes the Middle East to the brink of a major new conflagration in a region already aflame for more than 20 months with wars in Gaza and Lebanon and a toppled dictator in Syria. "We devastated the Iranian nuclear program," Hegseth told reporters in a briefing from the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., adding that Iran's nuclear ambitions have been "obliterated." He said the strikes did not target Iranian troops or citizens. "The operation President Trump planned was bold and it was brilliant, showing the world that American deterrence is back. When this president speaks, the world should listen." WATCH | CBC's Andrew Chang explores what Israel's endgame might be in its war with Iran: Israel's war on Iran: What's the endgame? | About That 3 days ago Duration 15:36 A week after Israel's initial strikes on nuclear and military targets across Iran, many are asking: What comes next? As deadly attacks and counterattacks between the two countries continue with no end yet in sight, Andrew Chang explores what Israel's endgame might be in its war with Iran and why its ambitions could go well beyond preventing Iran from developing a nuclear bomb. (Images provided by Getty Images, The Canadian Press and Reuters) Tehran accused Washington of launching "a dangerous war" after President Donald Trump said the U.S. attacked three key nuclear sites in Iran on Sunday. Trump said the sites were "completely and fully obliterated." Earlier, Iran's Foreign Ministry said Washington had "betrayed diplomacy" with the military strikes in support of Israel, which has been engaged in a nine-day war with Iran in an attempt to destroy its nuclear program. Now, "the U.S. has itself launched a dangerous war against Iran," the ministry said in a lengthy statement. "The Islamic Republic of Iran reserves its right to resist with full force against U.S. military aggression and the crimes committed by this rogue regime, and to defend Iran's security and national interests."
