What is Happening in Syria?

Rev. Tim McCalmont PLR retired pastor and moderator/member of the Syria-Lebanon Partnership network

Written by Rev. Tim McCalmont on December 20, 2024

The recent happenings in the Middle East, particularly in Syria over the past few weeks, has given many of us alarm over the state of our brothers and sisters in the country.

You are probably aware of  the removal of the Assad regime in the past days and the takeover by the rebel group HTS (Hayat Tahrir al-Sham). The group’s leader Abu-Mohammad Jolani, who had previously been known to be part of the violent extremist groups al-Qaeda and Al-Nusra and has brought a new dimension into the situation, one which brings forth a new vision of freedom, inclusion and one that is more tolerant of minorities, including the Christian churches.

The speed at which the takeovers of Aleppo and Damascus took place was stunning and it moved from there so quickly, without much resistance at all as it expanded across the entire country.  HTS leadership have shown an openness to the churches as they have entered the cities they have taken, and now the country they have assumed control over.

Though Jolani has since broken with the extremists publicly, and now shown a desire to bring about a new day for Syria, he remains on the terrorist list of the United States and the United Nations. Most Syrians seem pleased to see the Assad regime gone, but they remain cautiously optimistic, waiting to see what a “new Syria,” will look like.

This obviously has triggered other reactions in the surrounding countries and will continue to do so in the immediate future.  As the people of Syria wait, they are anxious to see what will happen next.  Intentions must play out into actions and until they do, they can only pray and hope.

Much depends upon how the Trump administration responds as the new administration takes office.  From our point of view, should this trend of behavior on the part of the victorious rebels continue, this could be a golden opportunity for western countries to show support as the people of Syria come together to rebuild their country which has been so decimated by the war that has consumed the past 13 years.  It also can be a time of return and reconciliation for the millions who have been displaced or fled the country.

We have been encouraged by the following statement just released by Rev. Joseph Kassab, the President of the Evangelical Community of Syria and Lebanon and the Secretary General of the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon:

On this joyous occasion of Christmas, we cannot but share our exhilaration with all Syrians as they look forward to the birth of a new Syria – a dream we have long cherished and continue to strive for. 

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” This Christmas greeting and its message of hope extend to all humanity. The Gospel of Christ offers a vision of peace that is far more profound than the mere cessation of wars and conflicts. It embodies comprehensive peace that nurtures human life, the well-being of communities, and the flourishing of societies. It is the Lord’s promise that, through Jesus Christ, born in a humble manger, we are granted new beginnings of salvation, graced by God’s mercy and forgiveness. 

Today, Syria turns a page on an era where we have borne our share of its failures in achieving national unity, citizenship, and the freedoms that Syrians of all backgrounds have long aspired to. However, we now look to the future with eyes filled with anticipation and active hope. The blood shed for the sake of the homeland and freedom cannot allow us to regress. 

Please join me and our friends in the Syria Lebanon Partnership Network (SLPN) in prayer for this situation. Should you have any questions or you would like to donate to the relief efforts for our churches or you simply would like to receive updates you can check out our website or feel free to email me and I will do my best to respond promptly.

Many thanks to those of you who have faithfully prayed for our dear friends in the homeland of our Lord and the early church.  Our prayers, especially at this time of year, mean so much to all of them.  It has been such an enriching experience for me to meet and grow together with those who carry the cross of Christ in these two countries.

For more news from Syria and articles about the Syria Lebanon Partnership Network see our Mission Partnership articles.