Protecting Syrian Christians: Urgent Calls for Action Amidst Ongoing Violence

The Syrian conflict has severely impacted Christians, with Interim President al-Sharaa failing to protect them from violence. Religious leaders like Rev. Johnnie Moore emphasize the urgency of safeguarding vulnerable populations, criticizing the regime’s ability to establish justice and advocating for a stronger U.S. response against normalization of relations until safety for all citizens is assured. The Christian community in Syria has drastically diminished since the start of the war.

The ongoing conflict in Syria has taken a grave toll on religious minorities, particularly Christians, who have faced increasing violence under the regime of Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Al-Sharaa, formerly associated with al Qaeda, failed to protect over 1,000 Syrians, including Christians, during a recent massacre. Concerns have been raised by Christian leaders and human rights activists regarding the regime’s ability to establish democracy and offer protection to vulnerable religious groups amidst escalating violence.

“This is a warning that the Syrian government is not ready for prime time if it can’t protect a handful of vulnerable Christians who had absolutely nothing to do with this violence except being its victims,” stated Rev. Johnnie Moore, the president of The Congress of Christian Leaders. This highlights the urgent need for accountability and protection for these communities, especially given the past failures of the regime.

Despite al-Sharaa’s claims to hold perpetrators accountable for civilian bloodshed, Moore expressed skepticism regarding the regime’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens. He reported, “The new government in Syria may not be ISIS, but they are ‘Islamists,’” emphasizing that the situation for Christians remains perilous under al-Sharaa’s leadership.

Moore criticized European nations for seemingly fostering relations with the al-Sharaa regime despite its brutal actions. He pointed out that recent decisions to ease sanctions coincide with heinous acts against civilians, thus indicating a troubling narrative that must be addressed.

Moore called on the United States to adopt a more stringent stance, suggesting that “the United States should send a very, very clear message to the new Syrian government that there will be zero sanctions relief” until it demonstrates its capability to protect all citizens, particularly vulnerable Christians. With an alarming decline in the Christian population from 1.5 million before the war to approximately 300,000 today, the urgency for protection and advocacy remains critical.

In summary, the situation for Christians in Syria under the al-Sharaa regime is dire, marked by violence and a significant decrease in population. Christian leaders have voiced concerns regarding the regime’s ability to protect vulnerable communities. A more assertive response from the United States and a reconsideration of easing sanctions on the Syrian government may be necessary to safeguard these populations. The call for accountability and protection remains paramount in addressing this humanitarian crisis.

Original Source: www.foxnews.com